Do Intermittent Low Levels Of Sp02 Require Medical Attention?

Posted on Mon, 19 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 Answered on

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Is it normal for ypur sp02 to drop to the low 90s or high 80s for a dew seconds and then shoot back up to 96-100 on the next pulse oximeter reading?
Im a 28 year old female never smoked currently recovering from bronchitis that has presented with no othwr symptoms but shortness of breath..

Would like to notate the provider also did an EKG just to be safe and said my heart appeared to be in great health. Im just overly concerned about the drops in my oxygen saturation levels.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:

This is normal!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The only time you should get concerned if it it goes down to low values and stays there for long periods.

Transient drops could be related to changes in positioning and they really have no pathological significance.

I have also looked at your blood tests and the results are XXXXXXX

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Chobufo Ditah, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D