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Difficulty To Take Full Breath While Yawning Or Sighing. PFT Test Done. What Is Causing This Feeling?
Question: Hi, I am a 35-yr-old female, have been having episodes where I feel I can't take a full breath, even while yawning or sighing. I had PFT testing done and they said that my lung function was good for someone of my height/weight/age, but my oximetry level is only 72%. I don't understand how this happens or what it means for me and my future..
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
I would like to know if you have any history of Asthma/Anxiety/ Panic disorder/Chest pain/Hyperventilation.If yes, that might explain why you are not able to take a full breath.
Your pulmonary function test is normal , you say, which is good.
By oximetry level , do you mean SpO2 is 72%. The normal SpO2 should be above 96%. However, erroneous values are known to occur in patients with low hemoglobin levels, patients with false nails, patients with nail polish, patients with tremors ,shivering, or cold extremities.
I would like to know your pulse, BP and respiratory rate around the time your SpO2 was measured. Did you receive Oxygen when Sp02 was 72%?
Please visit a pumonologist and get your SpO2 level checked once again , preferably on the ear lobe and if low again, get an ABG(X-ray done. Have you been evaluated for Sleep Apnoea?
Meanwhile try to relax. Sign up for yoga classes or try mediatation/breathing relaxation techniques which might help you.
I hope I have answered your queries. I will be happy to answer any further queries you might have.
If you don't have any further queries,kindly accept my answer. Any reviews are welcome.
Have a great day.
Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
Thanks for writing in.
I would like to know if you have any history of Asthma/Anxiety/ Panic disorder/Chest pain/Hyperventilation.If yes, that might explain why you are not able to take a full breath.
Your pulmonary function test is normal , you say, which is good.
By oximetry level , do you mean SpO2 is 72%. The normal SpO2 should be above 96%. However, erroneous values are known to occur in patients with low hemoglobin levels, patients with false nails, patients with nail polish, patients with tremors ,shivering, or cold extremities.
I would like to know your pulse, BP and respiratory rate around the time your SpO2 was measured. Did you receive Oxygen when Sp02 was 72%?
Please visit a pumonologist and get your SpO2 level checked once again , preferably on the ear lobe and if low again, get an ABG(X-ray done. Have you been evaluated for Sleep Apnoea?
Meanwhile try to relax. Sign up for yoga classes or try mediatation/breathing relaxation techniques which might help you.
I hope I have answered your queries. I will be happy to answer any further queries you might have.
If you don't have any further queries,kindly accept my answer. Any reviews are welcome.
Have a great day.
Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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