Hypoxemia
In order to continuously supply the cells/tissues in your body with oxygen:
-There must be enough oxygen in the air you are breathing
-Your lungs must inhale the oxygen-containing air and exhale carbon dioxide
-You must be able to circulate blood to your lungs, take up the oxygen, and distribute it throughout your body
A problem with any of the above could result in hypoxemia, especially under extreme conditions. Hypoxemia is a term that refers to the amount of oxygen in your blood being below a normal level, with normal being between 80 and 100 mmHg; it is a sign of problems relating to your breathing or circulation.
Some common causes of this condition can include:
-Anemia
-ARDS
-Asthma
-Congenital heart defects in children
-Congenital heart disease in adults
-COPD
-Emphysema
-Interstitial lung disease
-Medications that depress your breathing
-Pneumonia
-Pneumothorax
-Pulmonary edema
-Pulmonary embolism
-Pulmonary fibrosis
-Sleep apnea
Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Shortness of breath
-Headache
-Confusion
-Restlessness
Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a condition where not enough oxygen makes it to your body’s cells and tissues, but this level is not measured by any laboratory value. This can occur despite having a normal blood flow.
Consult your doctor if you suspect your symptoms coincide with either hypoxemia or hypoxia to find out the best course of diagnosis and treatment for your individualized case.
Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Shortness of breath
-Decreased tolerance for any physical activity
-Waking up out of breath
-Choking sensation
-Wheezing
-Chronic cough
-Cyanosis
