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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by saturn on April 22, 2006, at 19:48:23
Is it possible to have a copd (asthma, emphysema) with a normal pulse ox (over 97%)?
Posted by Glydin on April 26, 2006, at 22:41:21
In reply to pulse oximetry, posted by saturn on April 22, 2006, at 19:48:23
Sometimes.
The compensatory higher HCT (more "trucks") can cause a more O2 rich blood flow thus a higher reading. COPD of any duration usually causes a lower than within normal limts pulse ox. There are a lot of variables and while a noninvasive method of measuring is great, an arterial blood gas in room air would be the real way to tell what's going on.
Posted by saturn on April 27, 2006, at 19:12:36
In reply to Re: pulse oximetry » saturn, posted by Glydin on April 26, 2006, at 22:41:21
> Sometimes.
>
> The compensatory higher HCT (more "trucks") can cause a more O2 rich blood flow thus a higher reading. COPD of any duration usually causes a lower than within normal limts pulse ox. There are a lot of variables and while a noninvasive method of measuring is great, an arterial blood gas in room air would be the real way to tell what's going on.Thanks Glydin,
My sleep doc is also a pulmonologist...so I'm going to ask him about some testing next week, though he's never suspected any lung problems. Might you happen to know if it would be sufficient to just request a PFT...would this give a definitive answer about my lung health...or would an ABG also be good to get? Anything else?
My pulse ox runs 97-99%, and my Hct is 48%. However a year ago it was only 42% and I wonder if this could be due to compensation for decreased lung function.
I'm probably being paranoid as I have good exercise tolerance, yet sometimes I feel a bit short of breath. I've had my heart checked and it's fine and I don't have any symptoms of asthma...so I've always been worried that my 7 years of heavy smoking--cigarretes and marijuana--may have caused some permanent damage. I guess I've got lots of guilt about that...but I've quit all smoking years ago and so HOPEFULLY everything is OK.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Posted by Glydin on April 27, 2006, at 19:53:44
In reply to Re: pulse oximetry » Glydin, posted by saturn on April 27, 2006, at 19:12:36
> I guess I've got lots of guilt about that...but I've quit all smoking years ago and so HOPEFULLY everything is OK.
>
> Thanks again for your feedback.
>
>Hi saturn,
That's understandable. I lament over some questionable things I've done in the past.
I would think you are probably just fine and might have a small amount of lowered lung function but probably nothing severe. A pulmonary function test might be something you would like to ask about. It would give you of alot of parameters of lung function. X rays and scans will let you know the condition of resp. structures and, to some degree, lung expansion.
If nothing else, it would be good to get a good "look see" to ease your mind. I think it would be good to talk with you pulmonologist about your concerns and see what they have for recommendations.
I would like to know how things go for you if you would be willing to give me an update.
Best,
Glydin
Posted by saturn on April 28, 2006, at 18:39:00
In reply to Re: pulse oximetry, posted by Glydin on April 27, 2006, at 19:53:44
> I would like to know how things go for you if you would be willing to give me an update.Sure.
Posted by saturn on May 11, 2006, at 17:12:20
In reply to Re: pulse oximetry, posted by Glydin on April 27, 2006, at 19:53:44
> I would like to know how things go for you if you would be willing to give me an update.
I saw a pulmonologist yesterday and he said my lungs are AOK. Zero problems. Sigh of relief!
Also had a stress echo today. Boy do they work you--they got my heart rate to about 190! From what I could gather from the techs it was essentially normal, though the doc has not read it himself. I've always had some EKG abnormalities but have been told they're not of clinical significance, so I'm not too worried there. But I'm still eager to read the report.
Anyhow, thankfully so far so good. peace.
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