I had a severe asthma attack and had to go to the ER. When I was being checked in, I was coughing severely,SOB, and sweating but my O2 level was 98%. After about an hour the tech came in to give me my second breathing treatment and he saw that my O2 level had dropped to 86%. He started me on oxygen right away. I was a bit surprised because my symptoms had abated and I was feeling better. After a couple of hours of oxygen and my final breathing treatments, I was taken off oxygen and observed for about an hour. In that time my O2 fluctuated between 88-92%. This satisfied their requirement of 90% so I was able to go home. I was just wondering why it dropped so quickly, particularly when I was feeling better? And are there any symptoms because I didn't feel any?
- Resources
Q: Why did my O2 levels drop from 98% to 86% after an hour at the ER?
Hi there...
Of course, it's impossible to know for sure after the fact what happened to you exactly, especially without being able to examine you. But if they checked your oxygen level using a pulse oximeter, then it's been my observation watching my mom over the past year or two (who has COPD) that oximetry is not always 100% accurate. At least not as accurate as arterial blood gases (a blood test requiring a lab draw) would be.
I've seen oximetry affected by hand temperature, position of the sensor on the fingertip and also by the technician. I suspect your initial reading was not quite as good as they measured it. 98% is darn good for someone who is coughing severely and gasping for breath.
Of course, your best bet would be to pose this question to your doctor, who can examine your hospital records and perhaps pick up on something else that was going on that would have affected it.
To your health,
Kathi
Possibly a condition known as V/Q Mismatch which is not uncommon
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
