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If Less Than 90% Shown On Oximeter Than Should I
Question: if less than 90% shown on oximeter than should i go for corona testing?
if less than 90% shown on oximeter than should i go for corona testing?
Brief Answer:
If not other explanation, testing for COVID-19 would be reasonable
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. While only a low oxygen level, without any other symptoms, would be unusual for COVID-19, if there was no other explanation for the low oxygen, and normally your oxygen is normal (95-100%), then I would suggest getting tested for COVID-19 to rule that out as a cause. If you do have any other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough, that would be even more reason to get tested.
If the low oxygen level was only temporary (such as when walking or exerting yourself), and you have some other reason for low oxygen levels (chronic lung disease), then that would be less concerning. But otherwise, a low oxygen level is almost always concerning, and should be investigated for the cause.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
If not other explanation, testing for COVID-19 would be reasonable
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. While only a low oxygen level, without any other symptoms, would be unusual for COVID-19, if there was no other explanation for the low oxygen, and normally your oxygen is normal (95-100%), then I would suggest getting tested for COVID-19 to rule that out as a cause. If you do have any other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough, that would be even more reason to get tested.
If the low oxygen level was only temporary (such as when walking or exerting yourself), and you have some other reason for low oxygen levels (chronic lung disease), then that would be less concerning. But otherwise, a low oxygen level is almost always concerning, and should be investigated for the cause.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
If not other explanation, testing for COVID-19 would be reasonable
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. While only a low oxygen level, without any other symptoms, would be unusual for COVID-19, if there was no other explanation for the low oxygen, and normally your oxygen is normal (95-100%), then I would suggest getting tested for COVID-19 to rule that out as a cause. If you do have any other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough, that would be even more reason to get tested.
If the low oxygen level was only temporary (such as when walking or exerting yourself), and you have some other reason for low oxygen levels (chronic lung disease), then that would be less concerning. But otherwise, a low oxygen level is almost always concerning, and should be investigated for the cause.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
If not other explanation, testing for COVID-19 would be reasonable
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. While only a low oxygen level, without any other symptoms, would be unusual for COVID-19, if there was no other explanation for the low oxygen, and normally your oxygen is normal (95-100%), then I would suggest getting tested for COVID-19 to rule that out as a cause. If you do have any other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough, that would be even more reason to get tested.
If the low oxygen level was only temporary (such as when walking or exerting yourself), and you have some other reason for low oxygen levels (chronic lung disease), then that would be less concerning. But otherwise, a low oxygen level is almost always concerning, and should be investigated for the cause.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for details doctor.
What are the steps to investigate for reasons of low level of oxygen. Plese reply.
What are the steps to investigate for reasons of low level of oxygen. Plese reply.
Thank you for details doctor.
What are the steps to investigate for reasons of low level of oxygen. Plese reply.
What are the steps to investigate for reasons of low level of oxygen. Plese reply.
Brief Answer:
Imaging, pulmonary function tests
Detailed Answer:
Typically, your oxygen level would be confirmed, either with pulse oximeter or with arterial blood gases. If confirmed, the evaluation would start with a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests to see if there is some obstruction or other lung disease present. If anything is seen on the chest x-ray, a CT scan might be done to get a better look. An echocardiogram may also be done to see if your heart is contributing to the low oxygen level. There are also some blood disorders that can cause a low oxygen reading with normal lung function, but those would be more rare.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Imaging, pulmonary function tests
Detailed Answer:
Typically, your oxygen level would be confirmed, either with pulse oximeter or with arterial blood gases. If confirmed, the evaluation would start with a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests to see if there is some obstruction or other lung disease present. If anything is seen on the chest x-ray, a CT scan might be done to get a better look. An echocardiogram may also be done to see if your heart is contributing to the low oxygen level. There are also some blood disorders that can cause a low oxygen reading with normal lung function, but those would be more rare.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Brief Answer:
Imaging, pulmonary function tests
Detailed Answer:
Typically, your oxygen level would be confirmed, either with pulse oximeter or with arterial blood gases. If confirmed, the evaluation would start with a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests to see if there is some obstruction or other lung disease present. If anything is seen on the chest x-ray, a CT scan might be done to get a better look. An echocardiogram may also be done to see if your heart is contributing to the low oxygen level. There are also some blood disorders that can cause a low oxygen reading with normal lung function, but those would be more rare.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Imaging, pulmonary function tests
Detailed Answer:
Typically, your oxygen level would be confirmed, either with pulse oximeter or with arterial blood gases. If confirmed, the evaluation would start with a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests to see if there is some obstruction or other lung disease present. If anything is seen on the chest x-ray, a CT scan might be done to get a better look. An echocardiogram may also be done to see if your heart is contributing to the low oxygen level. There are also some blood disorders that can cause a low oxygen reading with normal lung function, but those would be more rare.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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