The only addition I would add to this. Is to get and use an pulse ox meter.
These ox meters are not medically accurate, often vary + - 2%.
A pulse ox below 95 percent is considered low. It’s important to know what’s normal for you. It isn’t uncommon for people with COPD to maintain their pulse ox levels between 88 - 92%
So here is what you do. Measure your ox level when you know you are at your normal health, then if other symptoms appear, measure often, and watch out for a downward trend.
So new revised edition to share around..
With additions.
@corlin Also using a pulse oximeter like most machines has a learning curve. Please keep in mind that you should take the reading multiple times to confirm consistency especially if you are unused to the equipment.
@catie
Yes. well said.
One of the reasons I posted the above. Is the cotton ball test. Simple. No machine. Easy to understand results.
Also it exercises the lungs.
@corlin
Thanks for sharing this.
@corlin
Good luck with that. You can't even find thermometers in stores.
Lacking a pulse ox, be aware that COVID can make you have low oxygen before you actually sense a difficulty breathing. The lungs aren't very well served by nerve endings. About all the information they send the brain is "We need to cough."
@corlin
Low oxygen can make you light headed with minimal exertion, like you're at high altitude. It makes your muscles feel like they've done far more work than they have. It can make you confused and have trouble keeping track of what you're doing or trying to remember. (A friend of mine who crashed with COVID took his cell phone and then tried to take a drink from it.) Any signs of low oxygen, get to the ER, fast.
@AlphaCentauri @corlin this is important: the pulse must be reading correctly to consider the oxygen sat correct. Cold hands, nail polish or poor penetration can read incorrectly—remember if it isn’t reading your pulse well then the oxygen sat will be incorrect (generally sat will look too low). I would also say no one generally- COPD or not should be wandering around with a pulse ox of less than 90, much less 92% —unless you are end stage. Brisk walk-if it drops below 90-92% seek assistance.
Ok got the stamp of approval from my Nurse friend.She added this.
https://txt.fyi/+/1dd55374/.