HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Exercising Okay While Treating Stage-1 COPD?

default
Posted on Fri, 3 Feb 2017
Question: Good afternoon. First, I've been told I've stage 1 COPD I test my oxygen level several times throughout the day with the small 'finger instrument'. At rest the measurement usually is in the 92 to 94 level. I treadmill daily at a 2.2 MPH level for 5 to 6 min. This measuring device will record a range from 84'ish through 92/94 but usually at the 89/90 level. When i exert myself, such as walking up a slight incline or household chores and it immediatelycan measure or register 84'ish, with a rather quick recovery to the 90's. My question is, can exercise hold or prevent COPD levels increasing . Last, my doctor prescribes a daily [one time] breathing prescription.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pathophysiology explained.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. The small finger instrument that you are using, is called a pulse oxymeter and measures the oxygen saturation [referred to as SpO2] (not same as oxygen content) of blood. Under normal conditions your SpO2 should be 92% or more in room air. So, the resting SpO2 is fine in your case and does not seem affected by the COPD. Worsening of this level would indicate worsening of your COPD. During exercise the oxygen demand of our body increases and so does the carbon dioxide production. The lungs work to exchange the gases. Still, there may be momentary build up of carbon dioxide and that can lead to a lower SpO2 transiently. Since there is a quick pick up, there is no need to worry. Things are fine and not a cause for concern.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (11 minutes later)
Can exercise prevent further 'breathing/oxygen usage slides, I'm moving my regiment to 6 min @ 2.7 MPH, a 'rebound' [treadmill] ten minutes and, rapidly do arm curls with increasing weights to increase sudden body demands. Will this regiment help curtail the process.
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No problem

Detailed Answer:
I do not think that doing the mentioned activities should cause any trouble.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (20 minutes later)
My question Doctor is, will this exercise regiment Hold/Stop further Erosion of my breathing/oxygen capabilities.
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No need to stop.

Detailed Answer:
I do not see a significance of holding or stopping your exercise regimen and it will not have damaging effect on your breathing or oxygenation. However, you need to stop smoking.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Exercising Okay While Treating Stage-1 COPD?

Brief Answer: Pathophysiology explained. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. The small finger instrument that you are using, is called a pulse oxymeter and measures the oxygen saturation [referred to as SpO2] (not same as oxygen content) of blood. Under normal conditions your SpO2 should be 92% or more in room air. So, the resting SpO2 is fine in your case and does not seem affected by the COPD. Worsening of this level would indicate worsening of your COPD. During exercise the oxygen demand of our body increases and so does the carbon dioxide production. The lungs work to exchange the gases. Still, there may be momentary build up of carbon dioxide and that can lead to a lower SpO2 transiently. Since there is a quick pick up, there is no need to worry. Things are fine and not a cause for concern. Let me know if I could help further. Regards