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If your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, your health can suffer. At Southwest Pulmonary Associates in Dallas and Plano, Texas, the experienced team provides comprehensive oxygen evaluations to determine if you need treatment for a lung condition or another medical concern. Schedule an evaluation by calling the nearest office or requesting an appointment online today.
Oxygen Evaluation Q & A
What is an oxygen evaluation?
An oxygen evaluation at Southwest Pulmonary Associates involves diagnostic testing that screens for a deficiency of oxygen in your bloodstream. The human body needs enough oxygen to work properly and complete essential bodily functions.
When you breathe in, oxygen enters the body from your nose or mouth and passes through your lungs into your blood, where it’s distributed to various body cells.
Low oxygen levels mean your body systems may not be working as designed and can lead to medical complications and damage to organs, such as your brain and heart, over time.
What are the symptoms of inadequate oxygen?
The symptoms of not getting enough oxygen (low blood oxygen levels) include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
- Headaches
- Wheezing
- Confusion
- Coughing
- Blue-colored fingernails, lips, or skin
Lack of sufficient oxygen can cause serious medical complications when the cause is left untreated.
What may be included in an oxygen evaluation?
Southwest Pulmonary Associates offers the following types of oxygen testing:
Physical exam
Your pulmonologist discusses your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, medications, and more to determine if you’re at risk of low blood oxygen. They also complete a physical exam to screen for signs of potential concerns.
Blood oxygen test
A blood test is a simple diagnostic procedure in which a lab analyzes the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood and assesses the balance of bases and acids (pH balance). Your provider might check your blood levels again after you receive supplemental oxygen.
Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry measures blood oxygen saturation and your heart rate using a small clip placed on your toe or finger.
What might low oxygen levels indicate?
The following conditions may be underlying causes of low blood oxygen levels:
- Head or neck injury that affects breathing
- Pneumonia
- COVID-19
- Asthma
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Smoke inhalation injury
- Drug overdose
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Bronchitis
- Other lung diseases
- Lung scarring or inflammation
- Being in a high-altitude
- Sleep apnea
You might also develop low oxygen levels if your current oxygen therapy treatment isn’t working as designed.
If you experience low blood oxygen, the Southwest Pulmonary Associates team may complete additional diagnostic testing, such as lung function tests or imaging procedures.
Ways to increase blood oxygen include breathing in fresh air, not smoking, undergoing oxygen therapy or other treatments for a lung disease, and doing breathing exercises.
Schedule an evaluation at Southwest Pulmonary Associates by phone or request one online today to determine if you’re a candidate for an oxygen evaluation.