When the oxygen level gets below 88%, then many problems start to occur in our body including the shutting down of healthy organs. Our body functioning is affected.
- Below 85% might lead to the cognitive problems
- Below 65% can cause mental impairment
- Below 55% has an effect on our consciousness loss leading to death
Oxygen saturation level in healthy people
In healthy people with asthma under control, oxygen level in the blood varies between 95%-100%. However, it’s normal to have your oxygen level can drop to 90-95% if the following happens
- Low oxygen concentration in your area
- Exercise
- Temperature extremes
- Higher altitudes
If you have COPD or other lung issues, then it’s normal to have a blood oxygen level saturation between 92%- 88%.
Signs and symptoms of shortness of breath
Sign and symptoms may vary depedning on the severity of condition
- Confusion
- Bluish color in skin, fingernails, and lips
- Fast heartbeat
- Coughing
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
When to see a doctor
This happens when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen. If the following happens to a patient, he should be rushed to the hospital
- Tightness sensation in the chest
- Unable to breath
- Sudden awakening from sleep due to shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath due to mild or no exertion
- Nails, lips or other parts of the skin turns blue
Wayne says
is it normal to have a low oxygen level of 78 or 80 when I get up in the morning. I am taking Trelegy Ellipta and I also bought an oxygen machine if I need it. My lung doctor only sees me once a year and I do not find he is that helpful.
Is there a reason they do not put everyone on a portable oxygen machine……
Many thanks
Mike says
Seek another opinion. I’m no doctor but if your levels are low upon waking from sleep you probably have apnea. I would use the O2 at night while you wait on your next appointment and see if that helps.
Hope things improve for you.
Tawna Grimmett says
I have passed out 3times after a hip replacement and am suffering bad from those but I feel it coming on most the times but a couple times was no warning I should immediately seek a doctor ?
Tawna Grimmett says
I am diagnosed with it
Caren says
I have a steady oxygen level of 72% at night while sleeping. My oxygen level is 98 during the day but I’m exhausted, confused, muscle wasting. This was discovered during a sleep study. What is causing this and what should I do?