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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Long Can An Elderly Lady Survive With A 75-84 Percent 02 Sat?

How long can an elderly lady survive with a 75-84 percent 02 sat? She has severe aortic stenosis,in a nursing home , on an O2 mask . She has dementia, 95 yeArs old and being treated for a UTI. She has a living will and does not want to go to the hospital. She drinks very little liquid.
Fri, 13 Jun 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Oxygen saturation does not necessarily predict how long one will live. There are people with longstanding lung disease who live for years with oxygen saturations of high 70's low 80's. What is perhaps more predictive is the work of breathing the elderly lady is experiencing. If her breathing is fast, then a she may tire within even a few hours and pass away from respiratory failure. To maximize her comfort, I would recommend giving high flow oxygen through a face mask with a reservoir bag. Obviously treatment of the urinary infection and proper fluids and nutrition are also critical. If she does get worse, there is no place in a case like this for intubation or invasive resuscitation. I wish her a speedy recovery, which is still possible despite her current condition.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Valvular heart disease


Loading Online Doctors....
How Long Can An Elderly Lady Survive With A 75-84 Percent 02 Sat?

Oxygen saturation does not necessarily predict how long one will live. There are people with longstanding lung disease who live for years with oxygen saturations of high 70 s low 80 s. What is perhaps more predictive is the work of breathing the elderly lady is experiencing. If her breathing is fast, then a she may tire within even a few hours and pass away from respiratory failure. To maximize her comfort, I would recommend giving high flow oxygen through a face mask with a reservoir bag. Obviously treatment of the urinary infection and proper fluids and nutrition are also critical. If she does get worse, there is no place in a case like this for intubation or invasive resuscitation. I wish her a speedy recovery, which is still possible despite her current condition.