Hypoxemia

Hypoxemia is a condition in which the oxygen content in arterial blood falls below the physiological norm. A lack of oxygen hinders the work of cells, disrupts metabolism, and reduces the function of the brain, heart, and respiratory system.

In cases of severe hypoxemia, the body switches to energy-saving mode, leading to a rapid deterioration in overall well-being.

Causes of Hypoxemia

There are many factors that contribute to the development of hypoxemia. The main ones include:

• lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema;
• cardiovascular diseases that impair blood circulation and its oxygen saturation;
• high-altitude areas where the partial pressure of oxygen in the air is reduced;
• air pollution, toxic gases, exposure to smoke or chemicals;
• anemia, where the level of hemoglobin – the oxygen carrier – is reduced;
• ventilation disorders in the lungs due to obesity, chest injuries, or neuromuscular diseases;
• sleep apnea, which causes brief pauses in breathing at night.

A separate cause may be hypoventilation – insufficient depth or frequency of breathing, occurring due to the use of sedative medications, chronic adrenal fatigue, stress reactions, or neurological disorders.

Symptoms of Hypoxemia

The symptoms of hypoxemia depend on the degree of oxygen deprivation in tissues. The most common signs include:

• shortness of breath or a feeling of lack of air;
• fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased exercise tolerance;
• dizziness, headache, tinnitus;
• cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes, especially of the lips and fingertips;
• concentration difficulties, slowed thinking, confusion;
• increased heart rate, feelings of anxiety;
• increased sensitivity to cold and cold extremities.

In cases of severe hypoxemia, coordination disturbances, a sharp drop in blood pressure, seizures, and loss of consciousness may occur.

Diagnosis of Hypoxemia

To diagnose hypoxemia, doctors use various methods, including:

1. pulse oximetry – a quick non-invasive method for measuring blood oxygen saturation;
2. arterial blood gas analysis – an accurate determination of oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance;
3. chest X-ray to assess the condition of lung tissue;
4. computed tomography if there is suspicion of embolism or other complications;
5. blood tests to identify anemia and other metabolic disorders.

Treatment of Hypoxemia

Treatment of hypoxemia depends on its cause and may include:

• oxygen therapy – providing supplemental oxygen to normalize blood saturation;
• treatment of the underlying condition: bronchodilators for asthma, antibiotics for infections, medications to support the heart;
• lifestyle changes – quitting smoking, normalizing weight, improving indoor ventilation;
• breathing exercises and restoring diaphragmatic breathing;
• correction of anemia: increasing iron, B12, or folic acid.

In cases of chronic hypoxemia, it is crucial to eliminate the underlying cause – simply increasing oxygen levels without treating the primary disorder will not provide lasting improvement.

Hypoxemia is a potentially dangerous condition that requires timely diagnosis and medical assistance.

The appearance of shortness of breath, cyanosis, or sudden weakness is a reason to seek immediate medical attention.