Six minute walk test.

[al]

My understanding of the test is to see if you qualify for oxygen treatment. I think 88 is the cut off for qualifying. anything over that and you do not qualify for oxygen.
This test is misleading because the inability of the lungs to expel Co2 is the cause of shortness of breath, not the oxygen saturation. Co2 builds up in the blood displacing oxygen. If you force exhaling Co2 you will notice oxy. sat. will increase.
If my oxygen levels are very high I will take off the oxy. canula for a short time and my breathing will improve .
This is advise from my doctor. I make use of it often.

[jusme2727]

If you force exhaling Co2 you will notice oxy. sat. will increase.
Al I am new please explain what you mean thanks Donna

[the bear]

Can not say for sure but I think Al means that when you get short of breath (sob) you have to force yourself to exhale and draw in as much fresh oxygenated air as you can. Then your oxygen saturation numbers will rise. Not a good idea if you are trying to get on oxygen.
My own question on the six minute walk test is, "Why, does it seem to take so long"?

[John]

Donna; another way of expelling co2 & building up mussel in the chest wall area is to blow up balloons. Tthis puts a back pressure on the lungs & forces out old co2 . Don't do what Linndie did when she first did this ! She would blow up the balloons and save them & after awhile she had them all over the place The idea is to blow up & release one balloon . The short round ones work the best . Also check out pursed lip breathing on copd canada

[Deleted]

John,

Yeah.......... I remember having about 11 balloons all over, then you set me straight! Reminds me....... I have to get some. And donot buy the really really small ones al, impossible to blow them up. I buy the medium ones. Good Luck!

[harvey]

if you exhale through a drinking staw 4 or 5 times it works just great to get your breath back to normal. try it!

[susanny]

I think I am going to have to try these tricks.

[John]

Thanks Harvey ! That's the first time I heared that one . It does make scence

[jusme2727]

Thank you John, Bear and Harvey for your reply and suggestions. I will give the straw and ballons a try. Donna