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I'd like to understand the discrepancy of the above question & situation I described. Thank you.

December 11, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members validated the confusing experience of feeling severely short of breath despite oxygen levels in the high 90s, with several sharing... Read more

Members validated the confusing experience of feeling severely short of breath despite oxygen levels in the high 90s, with several sharing that this discrepancy is often due to carbon dioxide retention rather than low oxygen. Several members recommended practical strategies including pursed-lip breathing (inhaling through the nose, holding, and exhaling through pursed lips), requesting pulmonary function tests to check for CO2 trapping, and considering nebulizer treatments or inhalers, with one member finding significant relief from twice-daily saline and budesonide treatments for newly diagnosed bronchiectasis. A recurring theme was the importance of slowing down, retraining breathing habits, and understanding that anemia can also cause shortness of breath by reducing the total oxygen available even when each red blood cell carries a normal amount.

A myPHteam Member

Oftentimes when you are SOB but your O2 sats are within normal limits it's a sign you're trapping carbon dioxide. Some of the shortness of breath may be reduced by doing pursed lip breathing: take a deep breath in through your nose, hold your breath as long as you can, then blow out through pursed lips. If you haven't had pulmonary function tests done, you might ask about having it done. This can give information about trapping CO2 also. You might benefit from inhalers depending on the results.

I deal with this a lot because I not only have PAH but asthma. Recently I noticed the SOB and chest tightness was getting worse. I saw the pulmonologist. I've been diagnosed with bronchiectasis. As soon as a nebulizer is delivered I will start twice a day treatments with a saline solution and budesonide. Hopefully this will help. I'm tired of feeling out of breath (more than usual) and hacking and coughing.

December 12, 2023
A myPHteam Member

I have the SAME question. No one believes that you can't breathe when 02 is in high 90s, BUT SOB is REAL.

December 11, 2023
A myPHteam Member

My o2 levels can be high but I still experience fatigue. Pursed lipped breathing helps when I experience shortness of breath.Trying so hard to re program myself to take things slow! I have a tendency to rush and hold my breath while doing things. so hard to adjust to my new way of life. Hope everyone is having a good day. xoxoxoxo

https://breath.Trying
February 6, 2024
A myPHteam Member

@A myPHteam Member thank you! I am very fortunate to have not only a great PH specialist/pulmonologist, but many other great doctors on my medical team. I am seeing a lot of benefit from the nebulizer treatments. I will caution you, however, that there is no such thing as mild PAH. You have it or you don't. Fortunately, so much more is known about PAH and with early intervention/treatment I am hopeful to improve my long-term prognosis. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a much healthier new year!

December 23, 2023
A myPHteam Member

My resting respiratory rate has been increasing and my heart rate increases when sleeping. Does anyone else have this issue?

February 6, 2024

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