Re: Need help with pulse ox data
Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 9:57 pm
While the chart shows 96%, there is actually a range that goes from 92 - 96%. At sea level the range is 94 - 98%.
Since the elevation translation is somewhat linear we can now look at the lower levels.
While sleeping at sea level the bottom saturation level is 88 - 90%. At 4700 feet elevation we can adjust that to 84 - 86%. Since the report indicates that the lowest level was 84%, he is within the general limits. If we were looking for a label we could call that "low normal."
Unfortunately the numbers only tell part of the story. What counts is how he feels. If he feels like crap at a minimum of 84% and feels much better at a minimum of 88% then additional oxygen will help. The "numbers" simply serve as a benchmark for further reference.
The real question is what is causing the lower saturation levels. Elevation is part of the answer. With a doctors help hopefully the rest of the answer can be uncovered.
Since the elevation translation is somewhat linear we can now look at the lower levels.
While sleeping at sea level the bottom saturation level is 88 - 90%. At 4700 feet elevation we can adjust that to 84 - 86%. Since the report indicates that the lowest level was 84%, he is within the general limits. If we were looking for a label we could call that "low normal."
Unfortunately the numbers only tell part of the story. What counts is how he feels. If he feels like crap at a minimum of 84% and feels much better at a minimum of 88% then additional oxygen will help. The "numbers" simply serve as a benchmark for further reference.
The real question is what is causing the lower saturation levels. Elevation is part of the answer. With a doctors help hopefully the rest of the answer can be uncovered.