I learned the hard way how to recognize signs of hypoxia
It's crucial to be aware of the symptoms of low blood oxygen levels
I felt like I’d received a roundhouse kick to the head while drunk. My head was pounding and I couldn’t think straight. Words were difficult to form. Sentences seemed impossible. This might sound like the result of a wild night of partying, but for me, these were actually signs of hypoxia, or low blood oxygen.
While living with cystic fibrosis (CF) lungs, my breathing was never good. I struggled to get enough air, let alone breathe through thick, sticky mucus. I was constantly congested because my CF came with aggressive lung disease. I had a deep cough that sounded like I’d spent years smoking a pack of cigarettes every day.
By the time I was evaluated for a double-lung transplant 10 years ago, I was drowning in mucus. I did nebulizer treatments and airway clearance a few times each day in an attempt to simply breathe. When I was sick, I’d do these treatments every two to four hours.
Shortly after beginning the evaluation, I began to need supplemental oxygen at home. At the time, though, I didn’t know the warning signs that my oxygen saturation was dropping. I thought it was normal to have an awful headache, to be so exhausted I could barely stay awake, and to not be able to think clearly.
In 2016, when I was in and out of the hospital frequently, I began experiencing the “drunk” feeling of oxygen deprivation. I was confused, unable to formulate words, and would laugh at nothing. My oxygen sats would drop simply from walking.
The majority of the time I drove myself to the hospital. I lived alone and everyone had busy schedules, so there was no way I was going to ask someone to drive me. I thought I was fine, but there were several instances when I forgot how to get to the hospital, even though I’d been there hundreds of times.
When I was an inpatient at the hospital, the medical staff and my family and friends would laugh hysterically at my behavior. I don’t blame them. I felt pretty silly, too. But I was behaving that way because my lungs were failing and not enough oxygen was reaching my brain. Some thought I was crazy and faking it. Believe me, I felt a bit crazy myself because I couldn’t control it.
A word to the wise
Pay attention to rapid breathing and heart rate; these are some of the most obvious indicators of low oxygen levels.
Other warning signs of hypoxia may include headache, brain fog, decreased functioning, forgetfulness, exhaustion or fatigue, and confusion. Feeling “drunk” — as in you can’t perform usual tasks, struggle to think straight, and find everything really funny for no reason — should also be taken seriously.
Make note of your oxygen sats, whether you’re at rest or exercising. Have your support system watch for any changes in your behavior, too. It’s helpful when you’re not the only one keeping track of symptoms, especially when they affect your cognitive functioning.
I learned the hard way what low oxygen levels feel like. It was scary because I felt out of control. Once I educated myself and began monitoring my oxygen saturation regularly, I recognized when I needed to wear oxygen to function.
I wish I’d known about the signs of hypoxia before my transplant, but hopefully my experience can help others!
Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.
About the Author
Kathy Gunter
Laura, thanks for sharing that wisdom and so sorry to hear you went through that, but what really struck me was that you did not know? Particularly in the hospital? Were they not checking your sats as a part of your vital signs? And if so, why weren't you on oxygen supplementation? I have oximeters everywhere. In my desk, my purse, vehicles...and yes, my sats are beginning to slip. I am pretty sure they are slipping below acceptable levels at night when I sleep since I waking up with non-alcohol induced "hang-overs". A study is going to be done soon. Glad you are okay now and I do enjoy your posts.