I'm trying to understand the readings on my oximeter. Sometimes, within 5 seconds, it shows a reading of 97 or 98, but other times it takes 15 or 20 seconds to give a reading. Also, it occasionally shows a very low value like 90 at first and then jumps to 96 or 97 after a few seconds. On the flip side, it might start at 98 and then go down. I'm seeing a range from 90 to 98. Is this kind of fluctuation normal? Which reading should I actually consider? Would appreciate any insight into this!

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Mubarak Parveez B

General Practitioner

MBBS
2+ Yrs

Consult Now

while you use pulse oximeter, record for few minutes and then consider the value which is recorded after 1 min

Dr. Mubarak Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Find a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Answered 04/07/2025

More Pulmonology/ Respiratory Medicine Health Queries

View all

I'm a bit worried about taking 300mg twice daily for fibrotic bands after having COVID. My doctor suggested it, but I'm still feeling unsure. Is this dosage really safe?

Yes continue same treatment.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm currently using Foracort but it's quite expensive for me. I've heard of some cheaper options like Quikhale 200 Vent FB. The problem is I don't have a prescription right now. Is it safe to switch, or what would you recommend?

take prescription from nearby physician

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've got a positive TB gold test, but my sputum for AFB and TB CBNAAT tests came back negative. I don't even have a cough. The CT scan of my abdomen showed lymph nodes in the right iliac fossa, but my gastro doctor couldn't spot them during a colonoscopy. How do I figure out if the TB is active or latent? Would an FDG whole body PET CT help clarify whether it's active or latent TB? I'm a bit confused and could really use some guidance on what to do next.

Pulmonologist opinion is advised to the patient.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Health Articles for you

View all

General Medical Consultation

Guide to Lung Health Awareness

Learn how to improve your lung health and recognize the signs of common respiratory illnesses. This guide offers practical tips, from lifestyle changes to understanding air quality, to help you breathe easier and live healthier.

Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper Respiratory Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Know about the upper respiratory infections, what it is, causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options.

Breast Cancer

Lung Cancer Testing and Diagnosis Guide

Know about lung cancer, what are common symptoms are, who is at risk and how the diagnosis is made. Learn about prevention and how to detect it early.

respiratory-conditions

Ways To Reduce Air Pollution And Its Bad Effects Dr Naveen Ailawadi

Discover practical steps you can take at home and in your community to reduce air pollution and protect your health. Learn how air pollution affects your body and find answers to common FAQs in this easy-to-read guide.

respiratory-conditions

COPD Prevention Methods

Discover effective COPD prevention methods, including quitting smoking, avoiding lung irritants, improving air quality, staying active, and keeping up with essential vaccinations to protect lung health.

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.