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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Signs Should Be Looked For In Case Of COPD With Hypoxemia?

My husband, a smoker for over 50 yrs, has been diagnosed with COPD & hypoxeima. He has a precription for 2 liter of oxygen 24/7, though he only uses it at nighttime until recently. We have been unable to keep his oxygen sat above 90 unless he wears the oxygen. This past week he has been coughing up mucas with streaks of blood in it. Yesterday the blood was more pronounced and clumpy. He is VERY stubborn. I have noticed that his heart rate has been elevated, obviously working harder to make the oxygen exchange. I made and appt to see Dr, though it will be two weeks before we get in. I wondering if there are any other signs I should be looking for?
posted on Tue, 19 Aug 2014
Twitter Mon, 13 Oct 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 13 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM. In my opinion you should take him to the ER as soon as possible. As coughing blood can be indication for infection. So better to get done chest x ray and start intavenous antibiotics.
Hypoxemia can be identified by following signs.
1. SpO2 monitoring.
2. Counting respiratory rate. If more than 30 it can be due to hypoxemia.
3. Heart rate more than100.
4. Lips and finger nails turning blue. This is known as cynosis and it is also marker of hypoxemia.
But at this stage, I advice you to admit him in ER.
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What Signs Should Be Looked For In Case Of COPD With Hypoxemia?

Thanks for your question on HCM. In my opinion you should take him to the ER as soon as possible. As coughing blood can be indication for infection. So better to get done chest x ray and start intavenous antibiotics. Hypoxemia can be identified by following signs. 1. SpO2 monitoring. 2. Counting respiratory rate. If more than 30 it can be due to hypoxemia. 3. Heart rate more than100. 4. Lips and finger nails turning blue. This is known as cynosis and it is also marker of hypoxemia. But at this stage, I advice you to admit him in ER.