Hypoxia

What is Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a condition that happens when there is a lack of oxygen in the body’s tissues and organs. When there is not enough oxygen, organs cannot work as they should. This causes serious problems throughout the body and in the brain.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

  • Exposure to high altitude.
  • A collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
  • Lung infection (pneumonia).
  • Lung injury.
  • Long-term (chronic) lung disease, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
  • Blood collecting in the chest cavity (hemothorax).
  • Food, saliva, or vomit getting into the airway (aspiration).
  • Reduced blood flow (ischemia).
  • Severe blood loss.
  • Slow or shallow breathing (hypoventilation).
  • Blood disorders, such as anemia.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • The heart suddenly stopping (cardiac arrest).
  • Anesthetic medicines.
  • Drowning.
  • Choking.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Forgetfulness.
  • Nausea.
  • Confusion.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Dizziness.
  • Bluish color of the skin, lips, or nail beds (cyanosis).
  • Change in consciousness or awareness.

If hypoxia is not treated, it can lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness (coma), or brain damage.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • A physical exam.
  • Blood tests.
  • A test that measures how much oxygen is in your blood (pulse oximetry). This is done with a sensor that is placed on your finger, toe, or earlobe.
  • Chest X-ray.
  • Tests to check your lung function (pulmonary function tests).
  • A test to check the electrical activity of your heart (electrocardiogram, ECG).

You may have other tests to determine the cause of your hypoxia.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on what is causing the hypoxia. You will likely be treated with oxygen therapy. This may be done by giving you oxygen through a face mask or through tubes in your nose.

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

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • 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.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Work with your health care provider to manage any chronic conditions you have that may be causing hypoxia, such as COPD.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have a fever.
  • You have trouble breathing, even after treatment.
  • You become extremely short of breath when you exercise.

Get help right away if:

  • Your shortness of breath gets worse, especially with normal or very little activity.
  • Your skin, lips, or nail beds have a bluish color.
  • You become confused or you cannot think properly.
  • You have chest pain.

Summary

  • Hypoxia is a condition that happens when there is a lack of oxygen in the body’s tissues and organs.
  • If hypoxia is not treated, it can lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness (coma), or brain damage.
  • Symptoms of hypoxia can include a headache, shortness of breath, confusion, nausea, and a bluish skin color.
  • Hypoxia has many possible causes, including exposure to high altitude, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other health issues, such as blood disorders or cardiac arrest.
  • Hypoxia is usually treated with oxygen therapy.
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