AboutNeal Okerson Expertise I should be able to answer most questions about anatomy and physiology of heart and lungs. I also enjoy answering questions about understanding diseases. I should also be able to explain the goals and objectives of various pulmonary related treatments. Not an M.D., but worked in the field (Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician) since 1990. Registered Respiratory Therapist since 1995. B.S. degree in Health Education (1987). Currently working (since 1993) as the Director of Clinical Education in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program in Western KY.
Question My mom (89)has bad emphesyma, yet her O2 levels remain in the low 90;s Why is it so hard for her to breathe with this level even when exerting? She is on oxygen at night because her levels go down in the 80's then, She doesn't notice the oxygen helping her.
Answer Pat,
Sorry for the delay in answering your question.
Getting oxygen (O2)into our bodies is only part of the purpose of breathing. We also have to get the carbon dioxide (CO2) out. Emphysema makes moving these gases through the lungs and into the bloodstream much harder. Your mother's whole lung/ribcage structure has changed with the emphysema and this makes moving air out of the lungs much more difficult. You or I use less than 75 calories per day to breathe, while your mother may use as much as 600 - 700 calories. So the short answer to your question is that because of the structural changes in your mother's lungs and ribcage getting air out of the lungs is much more difficult.
I would discuss your mother's difficulty breathing with the physician to see if any other medications are available to help her breathe. You may also want to inquire about a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
