Hypoxia and Medicine

Normal oxygen saturation level(s)?

Hi, went to the ER because there was a spot on my tonsil that had looked like it may have been bleeding. I'm okay. We just went there because we it didn't look right, and we didn't really want to wait till later in the week (Which we would of had to) and thankfully went there. I was close to developing strep. But i just wanted to know, I saw that my Oxygen sat. was 96% at triage, and later when waiting I decided to put on the pulsox thing back on my finger and saw it go back between 97 and 98. But 96% would be considered normal right? Also what are some causes of lower oxygen saturation? I know I'm fine just wanting to know :) very interested in medical science. Can something as simple and insignificant as phlegm in the airways (from airborne seasonal allergies) cause a little bit of lowering? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Anything above 95% is good. Inflammation of the airways or lots of secretions may cause a slight decrease in oxygen saturation. Also the number may not always be accurate, the probe needs to be on properly and a good waveform needs to be seen to "trust" the number.