Hypoxemia ... help!

[middleagemuscle]

Has anyone ever developed hypoxemia after gaining lots of muscle? In 2013 I decided to get serious about lifting and gained 20 lbs of muscle over 2 years, but now hypoxemia is limiting my workouts; even every day activities. I have been examined by numerous doctors of varying specialties and none can find a cause. I have never smoked, have always been very fit and involved in numerous sports. But now I can't climb a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing at the top.

My SPO2 readings hover around 92-94 during the day, with extremes of 87 and 97. I sleep with oxygen attached to a bipap. I will be 53 years old next week.

[Bob1950]

Unfortunately, this site does not allow me to post the links. Google: "Buteyko breathing". Also, try to find: "Hypoxemia: Definition, Causes, and Treatment." Some info might be useful. I am not a doctor and use this breathing for other reasons.

[TaaDow187]

I’m not a doctor, I’m a Medical Laboratory Technologist.

If your doctors and specialist can’t find the underlying pathology for your hypoxia, it may be Idiopathic or Heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension.

There’s not much information, nor many studies on this condition.

The only treatment I can find from reputable sources is oxygen therapy, which you’re already on.

[katya422]

Unfortunately, this site does not allow me to post the links. Google: "Buteyko breathing". Also, try to find: "Hypoxemia: Definition, Causes, and Treatment." Some info might be useful. I am not a doctor and use this breathing for other reasons.

You should be able to post links and images once you have 50 posts on the board. If you don't feel that chatty you could start a training log.