Pulse Oximeter readings

[Sorka]

Just wondered if anyone has a pulse oximeter they use at home for asthmatic children?

Our pharmacist said it's a good way to track how they are at home if your not sure whether to give ventolin or not. I just wondered what the normal reading is for a child (2-6 years)? I will check with our GP but couldn't get an appointment until next week.

I have two asthmatic children and one of them is at 95% and the other at 93-94% at the moment. Just curious as to if anyone knows if this is average?

[~Kim~]

Assuming they aren't unwell?

It's been a few years but from memory
95% and over is ideal.
90-95% isn't fab
under 90% is a problem

not sure how accurate home pulse ox's are.

[xXHopeXx]

One thing to note is if their hands are cold or warm. If their hands are cold it will give lower % readings which aren't necessarily accurate. Even if their hands are above their heads it can alter the readings

Their ox sats should be over 95% ideally especially if they're little. 93-94% is okay, but they're definitely sick, but not necessarily a cause for worry especially if they're asthmatics and are a bit sick, that can be normal but they will be breathless. You don't really need to worry until they're under about 90%.

[Sorka]

Thanks for the info. 4 year old was the one with 93% a few times that I took it this afternoon and then again at bed time. He does have a cold so I think that would explain it. He has never had an asthma attack - more night time cough and very quick to tire with activities. Dr has told me he's asthmatic but I wasn't sure. He is on daily preventative tablets (has been for 2 years now) but I wondered if they were still necessary. Will see what the dr says When I see him.

[xXHopeXx]

I should also mention, (going from previous experience being in hospital) sometimes if the reading is a bit low, get them to take a few deep breaths and see if that changes the reading, particularly if they've been asleep or very inactive for awhile (I.e. Watching a movie intently or snoozing etc) that can often "fix" the low sats.
Asthma is pretty well the most overdiagnosed disease. doctors have thought I had asthma my entire life, and through my own diagnoses and a good doctor, we figured out my entire life I've had allergies which caused seasonal breathing problems. It only took about 22 years to figure it out (I'm 23 now lol) id suggest to the doc to perhaps look into it further, do they have sinus problems? Any allergies? They don't always manifest as sneezing and watery eyes, my nephew gets an itchy roof of the mouth when he has allergies. And even the post nasal drip cough (often the night time cough) so it might be worth looking deeper into?

[sweetpea678]

Also can depend on brand of pulse oximetry brand etc, some of the cheaper ones ate not as good, also if they are pink, breathing normally I would not worry. I'm asthmatic and if I have a cold it can be in the low 90's.

Also if you slow your breathing, breathing quickly but shallow or hold your breath you can lower the reading. So if your kids where a bit uptight having it done can alter it.

[Sorka]

Yeah I was leaning toward allergy too. He just seems to get puffed really easy and still snores despite having adenoids out (twice) and tonsils out. He is often blocked up and I can hear him breathing too. Like when he breathes in it makes a hum from his chest/neck. Not all the time but most days and this is only when he's sitting still and concentrating on Lego or something. He sighs a lot which seems like his way of trying to get more air.

I actually bought the oximeter for my other son but when I got those readings on the 4 year old it seemed low. Two other boys without asthma were 98/99% so seemed to be working. I don't know much about asthma though so all your help is appreciated. 😊