Pulse Oximetry. A quick re-cap.

Pulse Oximetry is a technology used to determine the amount of oxygen in your blood. Keeping levels within a normal range means oxygen is being delivered to the cells of your body to keep them functioning. Its application is simple and it provides information about low blood oxygen conditions and your pulse rate. However it should be regarded as only one aspect of your total assessment and if you have any concerns at all you should always seek medical help

Normally oxygen saturation percentage should always be above 97 percent. Readings below this indicate varying levels of low blood oxygen (hypoxia). The term "normal" however can be misleading. If you have a chest condition such as COPD you may always have a lower than average amount of oxygen in your blood which means a pulse oximeter reading of 92 to 95 percent may be "normal" for you, each person is different. Other factors can affect the readings, even nail varnish. It also monitors your fingertip pulse rate and for adults and adolescents when resting an average pulse is between 60-100 beats per minute but for those of you with a pre existing medical condition it can vary. It doesn't monitor your pulses rhythm or strength and you can read more about factors which may alter your pulse rate reading HERE

There are many breathing tests which may be done to assess just what's happening to your lungs and you can read more about them on the British Lung Foundation website  http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Breathing-tests  and many reasons for breathlessness which you can read about here http://www.blf.org.uk/conditions/detail/breathlessness

Getting out of breath can be very frightening, which makes the breathlessness worse. In trying to avoid this, people often reduce the amount of activity they do. However, this does not help, as over time you become unfit, tired and more breathless. (http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Pulmonary-rehab) A pulse oximeter can be an invaluable tool in helping you monitor your symptoms and if you you think you, a friend or relative would benefit then take a look at the PO 30  HERE