a person’s oxygen saturation level drops to as low as 74, how long before serious consequences occur? What about mid-80’s?
My mother is 85 and refuses to wear her oxygen outside the home. When she does not use it, her saturation levels drop to 74, as measured the finger oxymeter, within 30 minutes.
What is the real time danger point if the oxygen saturation is that low?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

Although there is no set “danger point”, 74% is quite low and reflects the seriousness of the COPD disease. Especially If she has any accompanying conditions such as heart failure or coronary disease, it is not advisable to let the oxygen saturation to drop very low. Mid 80’s is not entirely uncommon in persons with difficult COPD. I’d expect some symptoms to appear when the oxygen saturation drops below 80% in a COPD patient, but I am not a lung doctor and I don’t have the experience. I recommend that you ask you mother’s doctor about this.

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