Does Your Oxygen Blood Saturation Go Down While Eating?
Posted by admin - 12/06/09 at 10:06 pmOver the last few weeks we have had a few crisis with my stepfather when his oxygen saturation level has dropped just at the end of a meal. The worst was when rising he fainted and fell.
At the moment various things seem clear, although he is being monitored just the same.
I was present on two of the occasions, not the fainting spell, and did notice his lips were very dark (see Blue Lips and Lack of Oxygen and Symptoms Of Lack Of Oxygen for more information) and when I mentioned this a quick check with his pulse oximeter confirmed the saturation level had gone down below 80%.
The main problem is that when he is eating and specifically chewing, he doesn’t breathe properly. In fact he stops breathing for short spurts. Nobody can breathe and swallow at the same time - you can try if you like but you will end with a coughing fit - but you can while chewing.
The answer to his problem is twofold:
- Breathe consciously when chewing. He has to practice and get into the habit.
- While eating he has to increase his oxygen flow from 2 to 4.
He has two other problems. His reduced saturation has also happened when he has had half a glass of wine. Therefore no more wine.
Finally, he is really enjoys good conversation and he loves to talk. So he has to spread this out.
If you, or someone close to you, has noticed something similar happening you must consult your doctor- it could be something completely different - but we have found an answer and now these episodes have stopped.
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