Why does SpO2 reduce to 93 percent upon lying down?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was diagnosed with COVID-19 two days ago. I have a cough and fever between 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit to 38.5 degrees Fahrenheit. My oxygen saturation (SpO2) is 97 to 99 % when I am sitting or standing. However, it reduces to 93 to 95 % when I am lying down. Are my lungs affected? Should I consult a doctor? Kindly advise.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com. Are you having any difficulty in breathing? I suggest you walk continuously for six minutes and then check the saturation at the end of six minutes. If it is less than 95% or you have difficulty breathing, consult a nearby doctor immediately. Cough and tiredness are expected, which will take a week to reduce. You must also isolate yourself for a week. I hope this helps. Kindly revert in case of further questions. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the response. I will check my oxygen saturation (SpO2) as suggested by you. Is it normal for the oxygen levels to get reduced in an upper respiratory tract infection? Also, do they lower when lying down? Kindly advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. We need not worry unless the SpO2 is less than 93 %. Your facial features play a role, and also your upper respiratory tract will be compromised at times while lying down. There is no need to worry unless it is less than 93 % constantly. Going for an X-ray or CT (computed tomography) scan within the first three days is too early to assess lung involvement. Do you have any history of heart complaints? I hope this helps. Kindly revert in case of further doubts. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I do not have any health issues. I am a competitive crossfit athlete. That is the reason I always keep track of my pulse rate and oxygen levels. I am worried as my oxygen saturation has lowered due to COVID-19. However, my girlfriend, who is also infected, does not have low oxygen saturation. I hope it gets back to normal once the infection reduces.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. There is no need to get worried as of now. If the oxygen saturation is less than 93 % after walking for six minutes, or if you feel breathless, I suggest you get a chest computed tomography (CT) done. You must eat healthy foods and kindly inform me if the oxygen saturation falls below 93 %.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have noted down my oxygen saturation (SpO2) readings. They are as below: After six minutes walk - 97 to 98 %. Upon sitting down - 96 to 97 %. On lying down - 93 to 95 %.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. There is nothing to worry about. There will be variations depending upon the position and it will be the lowest in supine position. I hope this helps. Thank you. Treatment plan include sleeping in a prone position if you are comfortable. Follow-up to be done after a week or after getting a CT scan done, whichever is earlier.
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