Question
Why aren’t the oxygen levels of ME sufferers routinely checked?
Answer
The simple answer is that routinely measuring oxygen levels in ME/CFS isn’t going to help with either diagnosis or management – unless there is some indication that the person may also have an underlying respiratory disease.
What can be helpful in relation to both diagnosis and management of ME/CFS is having a two-day cardiopulmonary exercise test – which measures dynamic oxygen uptake and use. But Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) testing is not easy to organise – as it is a hospital-based investigation.
More information:
- IACFS/ME Conference – Professor Todd Davenport study on exercise testing and ventilatory measurements in ME/CFS | October 2021
- There have been several clinical trials that have used CPET to try and understand Post-Exertional Malaise. Dr Betsy Keller in America is currently working on a multi-centre trial that will aim to replicate and improve on the existing results. The study is expected to complete in Autumn 2022.
- You can read about previous research that has used CPET in ME/CFS to determine PEM by downloading and searching the free ME Association Index of Published Research.
Related Categories
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.