Bulbar-onset ALS and low oxygen saturation (84%) on NIV.should I be worried
Original source
Bulbar-onset ALS and low oxygen saturation (84%) on NIV.should I be worried (opens in a new tab)This is community discussion, not verified research or clinical guidance.
A family member reported that their 69-year-old father, who has bulbar-onset ALS and uses non-invasive ventilation (NIV), had oxygen saturation readings of 84–87%, down from 92–93% the previous day. After an emergency-room assessment for chest congestion and breathing difficulty, his doctor advised focusing on his clinical condition and returning for care if he was struggling to breathe or felt uncomfortable.
Why this matters
The post highlights a potentially concerning change in breathing for someone with ALS using NIV. It reports that the person was still communicating and could be woken normally, but that close monitoring and prompt clinical assessment were advised if breathing became difficult or uncomfortable.
Limitations and context
This is a single community report, not a clinical assessment or medical guidance. The cause of the lower readings was not established in the post, and oxygen saturation readings can require interpretation alongside the person’s overall condition and professional evaluation.