This is a very good article. Knowledge is power when fighting illness, and we need to ask questions when we don't understand our numbers.
I have COPD, and when my vitals are checked it is either while I am still out of breath from walking in, which makes my BP high, or it is when I have been sitting quietly for 15 minutes or so which makes my oxygen saturation seem fine. However, when the minute I get up and move my O2 begins to fall. I think it would be to our advantage for it to be checked with normal exertion to get a more accurate reading.
Just my thoughts...
Dear Dee,
Great point! Definitely! Your oxygen saturation should also be checked as you're walking so you can learn what is necessary to keep that those numbers where they should be with exertion.
I'd like to add that for people who have been trained in proper breathing techniques for COPD, they can monitor their oxygen saturations while breathing correctly and see if they are able to maintain good numbers, sometimes even without supplemental oxygen.
Thanks for your comment.
Jane.
http://www.breathingbetterlivingwell.com
One of the most useful articles I have read in a long time!!
Why is it that most doctors (and nurses in hospitals) LOVE to keep these vital signs secret from patients?? - and when the patient requests to know what they are you are viewed as being obnoxious? Not all patients are complete idiots (!!) and it is important for a patient to know where he/she stands in regard to these.
Thank you for the article!! Such "vital" information!!
I think this post will be very useful to patients with COPD. As continued smoking can lead to COPD, those who smoke should give up the habit as soon as possible. Smoking harms not only the lungs but other organs as well.
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.
This was good.
Just wish you would have given the signs/numbers we should be watching for as well. As one who has been living with this for a while, we tend to become complacent about things and try to live life normally. This kind of piece puts us back on track - but the warning signs as a reminder would help.
Thanks
Dear SSP,
I appreciate your comment.
Anything outside what you see as the "acceptable result" would be something to make you sit up and take notice. Again-especially with a chronic disease such as COPD that effects other major organs and their related systems such as the heart-a number that may be a warning sign for one person, is perfectly alright for another. That's why its good to ask your doctor who knows you and sees you, to give you guidelines on what's safe for you.
You're right on target with what you say about being complacent. So true! If you follow this link you'll get a list (actually 13 pages) of my articles-some that talk about early warning signs, cough and airway clearance, co-morbidities, etc. I hope that will help answer some questions you have.
http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/19257/index/2
Thanks again for your comment!
My Best,
Jane.
http://www.breathingbetterlivingwell.com