Question 1

hard time breathing but pulse oximetry is normal?

Accepted Answer

Probably ok: You need evaluation for the shortness of breath to see if it is illness or just out of shape.

Question 2

aterial blood gas normal, chest x-ray normal, bloodwork normal, pulse oximetry 98-99% , lung function test normal still feel like i can't breathe?! help!

Accepted Answer

Puzzled: Could be anxiety/panic attack, or something more serious.  Be sure to follow-up with your physician to continue the hunt for what's causing your symptoms.

Question 3

what is the relationship betw. gerd and low pulse oximetry?

Accepted Answer

Gerd: Is acid reflux into the esophagus  and low pulse oximetry is low oxygen in the blood.Normally not related unless you would reflux and aspirate it into the lungs  lowering the pulse oximetry.

Question 4

what's the point of pulse oximetry if you can have o2 sats between 97-100% and still have breathing issues?

Accepted Answer

Pulse ox: Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen in your blood and rules out certain disease entities but further work up for shortness of breath such as breathing tests , and heart function are included in the work up

Question 5

please explain if it is possible to use a pulse oximetry to check oxygent saturation for someone who inhaled carbon monoxide?

Accepted Answer

Not infection: Using pulse oximetry will not show a real oxygen saturation of the hemoglobin. Co binds to hemoglobin more avidly than oxygen, shifts the saturation curve to the left as what is measured is occupied hemoglobin (reduced) even if the co is the one occupying it. It is best to use the abg.

Question 6

do cold feet + hands always mean poor circulation? post covid im having tingling & cold feet + hands especially when going to sleep. my feet are always very white & cold & i have thalassemia. this is 2 wks post covid would it show on pulse oximetry?

Accepted Answer

: Not always. The body has a protective mechanism that can shift circulation from the body surface to the deeper tissues, primarily to prevent heat loss. This is often marked by cold extremities. That feature can become activated by other conditions unrelated to poor circulation or hot/cold environments. Oximetry is not always helpful in assessing this issue.

Question 7

i have a fingertip pulse oximeter at home, it usually reads 97%. is this normal or should it be 100%?

Accepted Answer

: I find such devises rarely if ever read anything above 96=97%. They shoot a light beam through layers of skin to gain the reading. They are not equal to the testing dome on blood samples at a hospital.

Question 8

what should a normal oxygen level be ? i have a finger pulse oximeter .  what level should i be concerned at ?

Accepted Answer

Varies: But depending upon altitude, at sea level should register in mid to high 90's, assuming no prior COPD, bad asthma, or tuberculosis.

Question 9

normal oxygen saturation level on pulse oximeter?

Accepted Answer

Close to 100: The closer to 100, the better.  Most consider optimal above 92.

Question 10

is it normal for my oxygen levels to fall from 99 to 91 when walking/ exercising with pulse oximeter?

Accepted Answer

Not Normal: Usually a persons O2 sat should increase or stay same w mild-mod exercise. Do U have HX of smoking or asthma? Even so, UR fall in O2 sat is rather signif.Maybe sat meter not work prop when walking. Way to test: check UR pulse manually w wrist &amp; watch w UR meter. If unsure a Cardiologist/Pulmon can place U on Treadmill &amp; obtain O2 sat. UR finding suggest lung prob. I know not any other HX. See MD.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Normal pulse oximetry values

A member asked:

Hard time breathing but pulse oximetry is normal?

A member asked:

Aterial blood gas normal, chest x-ray normal, bloodwork normal, pulse oximetry 98-99% , lung function test normal still feel like i can't breathe?! help!

A member asked:

What is the relationship betw. gerd and low pulse oximetry?

A member asked:

What's the point of pulse oximetry if you can have o2 sats between 97-100% and still have breathing issues?

A member asked:

Please explain if it is possible to use a pulse oximetry to check oxygent saturation for someone who inhaled carbon monoxide?

A member asked:

Do cold feet + hands always mean poor circulation? post covid im having tingling & cold feet + hands especially when going to sleep. my feet are always very white & cold & i have thalassemia. this is 2 wks post covid would it show on pulse oximetry?

A member asked:

I have a fingertip pulse oximeter at home, it usually reads 97%. is this normal or should it be 100%?

A member asked:

What should a normal oxygen level be ? i have a finger pulse oximeter . what level should i be concerned at ?

A member asked:

Normal oxygen saturation level on pulse oximeter?

A member asked:

Is it normal for my oxygen levels to fall from 99 to 91 when walking/ exercising with pulse oximeter?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?