Understanding and Addressing Persistent Breathing Issues and Decreased Spirometry Results
Feeling out of breath and an SpO2 level of 96 can be concerning, even if it is within the normal range. This article explores various factors that might be contributing to your symptoms, including respiratory and cardiac issues, anxiety or panic disorders, deconditioning, and anemia. Additionally, it provides guidance on the importance of seeking medical evaluation and suggests various potential underlying causes based on the information provided.
Understanding the Role of SpO2 and Breathlessness
While an SpO2 peripheral capillary oxygen saturation level of 96 is considered normal, experiencing frequent breathlessness indicates an underlying issue. This can be due to various causes, including respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. These conditions can cause shortness of breath even when the oxygen levels are within the normal range. Cardiac problems, such as heart failure or arrhythmias, can also lead to feelings of breathlessness, independent of oxygen levels. Psychological factors like anxiety or panic disorders can manifest as physical symptoms, including shortness of breath.
Evaluation and Testing
When facing persistent breathlessness, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. This evaluation may include a series of test such as pulmonary function tests, which assess lung capacity and how well the lungs function. Imaging studies, blood tests, and possibly more detailed tests such as spirometry and diffusion tests can help identify the underlying causes of your symptoms.
Your recent history, including blood clots in your legs, travel to the lungs, and subsequent treatment with blood thinners, and pulmonary function tests, all point to potential respiratory issues that have been addressed. However, the consistent reported decrease in your spirometry results (60%) over 6 years, despite your lungs improving, suggests an ongoing issue requiring further investigation. Persistent pain and a persistently elevated heart rate despite thyroid correction indicate that there may be other underlying factors at play.
Understanding Your Specific Symptoms
Your symptoms involve breathlessness that is specifically related to a rapid heart rate of 105 at rest. The increase in your red blood cells, which could be due to iron deficiencies or vitamins, does not explain the continuing issues you are facing. The clogged veins, heart problems, and the difficulty in absorbing oxygen are significant factors that need to be addressed by a healthcare provider. Despite improvements in your lung function since 2019, the persistence of these symptoms suggests that there are underlying factors that have not yet been fully addressed.
The impact of thyroid disorders on heart function and muscle performance cannot be ignored, as thyroid hormones play a critical role in regulating heart rate and overall metabolism. When the thyroid is not functioning correctly, it can lead to an irregular heart rate, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of breathlessness. This can also cause hair to break easily and fall out, as it affects the overall health of the body.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Addressing persistent breathlessness and decreased spirometry results requires a comprehensive approach, involving a thorough medical evaluation and possibly various diagnostic tests. Consulting with a healthcare provider who can conduct the necessary evaluations, such as spirometry and thyroid function tests, is critical. Ensure to discuss all your symptoms, including the recent issues with your heart rate and the impact on your overall health, to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Keywords: breathing issues, spirometry, decreased spirometry results