HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Drop In Oxygen Level Normal At Stage 4 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer?

My grandfather has stage 4 non small cell lung cancer with recurring bacterial pneumonia. He is on 11 liters of oxygen keeping him around 89 on pulse ox. When not wearing his mask for a short time he drops in to the 40's..is this normal at this stage of the disease
Wed, 15 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Recurring bacterial pneumonia is a known complication of non small cell lung cancer in the elderly. The drop in oxygen saturation is because he is unable to sustain himself on atmospheric oxygen. This is not normal but shows that he is unable to cope up with his oxygen demands when not using the mask.

The above situation requires an aggressive treatment of his bacterial pneumonia. Cancer treatment causes reduced immunity and this allows the bacteria to colonize in the lungs and respiratory passage. With increasing infection there is reduced lung function and decreased capacity for the exchange of respiratory gases. Giving the right antibiotics and taken good care will treat the infection. Please do not worry.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Pneumonia


Loading Online Doctors....
Is Drop In Oxygen Level Normal At Stage 4 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Recurring bacterial pneumonia is a known complication of non small cell lung cancer in the elderly. The drop in oxygen saturation is because he is unable to sustain himself on atmospheric oxygen. This is not normal but shows that he is unable to cope up with his oxygen demands when not using the mask. The above situation requires an aggressive treatment of his bacterial pneumonia. Cancer treatment causes reduced immunity and this allows the bacteria to colonize in the lungs and respiratory passage. With increasing infection there is reduced lung function and decreased capacity for the exchange of respiratory gases. Giving the right antibiotics and taken good care will treat the infection. Please do not worry.