It's normal for oxygen saturation levels to fluctuate with activity. If your oxygen saturation level runs low on an ongoing basis, whether at rest, during activity or while you sleep, talk to your health care provider about using supplemental oxygen.

What causes your oxygen level to go up and down?

Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) Strong pain medicines and other drugs that hold back breathing. Heart problems. Anemia (a low number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen)

Does oximeter reading fluctuate?

> The reading may fluctuate. Wait for it to be stable. Keep the oximeter in place for at least a minute or longer if the reading is not stable.