What Causes Shortness Of Breath When Diagnosed With COPD?

Posted on Sun, 17 Sep 2017

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

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 Answered on

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Im having trouble with shortness of breath and low oxygen levels, been diagnosed with APAD. Live at 7000 ft. in XXXXXXX
my oxygen numbers are 84 in the mornings and 78 in the evenings. All my doctors are telling me to get on oxygen. If I moved down south and lost 7000 ' lf altitude, would that take care of the problem

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this might help.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, this might help you.
I just want to know what is APDA. Is it Asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease?
Is it related to lungs?
And yes, you should definitely start oxygen.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (17 hours later)

sorry bout that, ,,,,COPD....Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.....so is moving to a city 7000' lower gonna clean up my oxygen numbers sufficiently to avoid oxygen

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I want to know your recent lung functions.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
So it's COPD.
COPD is chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease.
End stage COPD dont have much impact of altitude.
So if you are having end stage COPD, it won't make any great difference in oxygen saturation readings.
So please let me know
1. Since how long you are suffering from COPD?
2. What is your last PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) report?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana