Title: What Causes a Low Pulse Oximeter Reading in Children? | Healthfully
Headings: What Causes a Low Pulse Oximeter Reading in Children?
What Causes a Low Pulse Oximeter Reading in Children?
Respiratory Problems
Poor Tissue Perfusion
Movement
Other Problems

Content: What Causes a Low Pulse Oximeter Reading in Children? | Healthfully
What Causes a Low Pulse Oximeter Reading in Children? A pulse oximeter measures the amount of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen. Oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) between 96 and 100 percent are considered normal, according to nursing instructor Kathy Lawrence, M.S.N. of the University of Texas Medical Branch 2 3. A reading of 100 percent means that all the hemoglobin in the red blood cells is carrying oxygen molecules. Children with low oxygen saturation don't have enough oxygen in the hemoglobin, usually because of respiratory problems. Mechanical problems can also cause low readings. Respiratory Problems
Most children with low oxygen saturation have a respiratory disorder. Any disease that interfere with oxygen flow through the lungs can cause a low oxygen saturation, including conditions such as pneumonia, croup or chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or bronchopulmonary disease, which makes the lungs stiff. Newborns who breathe irregularly or who have apneic periods where they stop breathing may also have low oxygen saturation.