What is Hypoxemia

Hypoxemia occurs when the blood does not contain enough oxygen. The body cannot work well when it does not have enough oxygen because every part of the body needs oxygen.

Oxygen enters the lungs when we breathe in, then it travels to all parts of the body through the blood. Hypoxemia can develop suddenly or slowly.

What are the causes?

Common causes of this condition include:

• Long-term (chronic) lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease.
• Disorders that affect breathing at night, such as sleep apnea.
• Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
• Lung infection (pneumonia).
• Lung or throat cancer.
• Abnormal blood flow that bypasses the lungs (having a shunt).
• Certain diseases that affect nerves or muscles.
• A collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
• A blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolus).
• Certain types of heart disease.
• Slow or shallow breathing (hypoventilation).
• Certain medicines.
• High altitudes.
• Toxic chemicals, smoke, and gases.

What are the signs or symptoms?

In some cases, there may be no symptoms of this condition. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Bluish color of the skin, lips, or nail beds.
• Breathing that is fast, noisy, or shallow.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Feeling tired or sleepy.
• Feeling confused or worried.

If hypoxemia develops quickly, you will likely have dyspnea. If hypoxemia develops slowly over months or years, you may not notice any symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed by:

• A physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• A test that measures the percentage of oxygen in your blood (pulse oximetry). This is done with a sensor that is placed on your finger, toe, or earlobe.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the underlying cause of your hypoxemia. You will likely be treated with oxygen therapy to restore your blood oxygen level. Depending on the cause of your hypoxemia, you may need oxygen therapy for a short time (weeks or months), or you may need it for the rest of your life.

Your health care provider may also recommend other therapies to treat the underlying cause of your hypoxemia.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you are on oxygen therapy, follow oxygen safety precautions as directed by your health care provider. These may include:
  • Always having a backup supply of oxygen.
  • Not allowing anyone to smoke or have a fire around oxygen.
  • Handling oxygen tanks carefully and as instructed.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider. Stay away from people who smoke.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have any concerns about your oxygen therapy.
• You have trouble breathing, even during or after treatment.
• You become short of breath when you exercise.
• You are tired when you wake up.
• You have a headache when you wake up.

Get help right away if:

• Your shortness of breath gets worse, especially with normal or minimal activity.
• You have a bluish color of the skin, lips, or nail beds.
• You become confused or you cannot think properly.
• You cough up dark mucus or blood.
• You have chest pain.
• You have a fever.

Summary

• Hypoxemia occurs when the blood does not contain enough oxygen.
• Hypoxemia may or may not cause symptoms. Often, the main symptom is shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Depending on the cause of your hypoxemia, you may need oxygen therapy for a short time (weeks or months), or you may need it for the rest of your life.
• If you are on oxygen therapy, follow oxygen safety precautions as directed by your health care provider.