How Do You Know if Your Body Is Low on Oxygen

Hypoxemia

Having low oxygen levels in your blood is called hypoxemia. Having low oxygen levels in your tissues is chosen hypoxia. Hypoxemia can happen in high altitudes.

Overview

What is hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia occurs when levels of oxygen in the blood are lower than normal. If claret oxygen levels are too low, your torso may non work properly.

Claret carries oxygen to the cells throughout your body to continue them healthy. Hypoxemia can crusade mild problems such as headaches and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it tin can interfere with heart and brain function. Hypoxemia that causes low oxygen levels in your body'due south tissues is called hypoxia. Sometimes people utilise the 2 terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes hypoxemia?

A diverseness of conditions and circumstances tin can interfere with the torso's ability to evangelize normal levels of oxygen to the claret. Some of the most common causes of hypoxemia include:

Heart atmospheric condition, including heart defects
Lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis
Locations of high altitudes, where oxygen in the air is lower
Potent hurting medications or other problems that irksome animate
Slumber apnea (impaired breathing during sleep)
Inflammation or scarring of the lung tissue (as in pulmonary fibrosis)

What are the symptoms of hypoxemia?

Symptoms of hypoxemia vary depending on the severity of the status. They include:

Headache
Shortness of jiff
Fast heartbeat
Cough
Wheezing
Confusion
Blue color in skin, fingernails, and lips

Diagnosis and Tests

How do doctors diagnose hypoxemia?

To diagnose hypoxemia, your doctor volition do a physical examination to listen to your heart and lungs. Abnormalities in these organs tin be a sign of low blood oxygen. Your md may also check to see if your peel, lips, or fingernails look bluish.

Doctors utilize tests to check your oxygen levels, including:

Pulse oximetry: A sensor that slips over your finger measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. Pulse oximetry is painless and noninvasive. Many doctors utilise it routinely each time y'all visit.
Arterial claret gas test: A needle is used to take a claret sample from your artery to measure the levels of oxygen in your blood.
Other breathing tests: These might involve animate into tubes that are connected to computers or other machines.

Direction and Treatment

How do doctors treat hypoxemia?

Treatment for hypoxemia aims to raise the levels of oxygen in the blood. Doctors tin can utilize medications to care for underlying conditions that crusade hypoxemia. These medications are frequently given through an inhaler that enables yous to breathe the medicine into your lungs.

In more severe cases, your md may prescribe oxygen therapy. People typically receive actress oxygen through a device called a cannula (tube) that is clipped to the exterior of the nose, or through a breathing mask. The location and corporeality of time people receive oxygen therapy is based on individual needs. You may receive oxygen at home, with a portable machine while you travel, or in the infirmary.

What are the complications or side effects of hypoxemia?

If your blood does not have enough oxygen, it cannot deliver enough oxygen to the organs and tissues that need it. This situation tin can be fatal if severe in the brusque term and can affect the middle or brain if it persists over a long period of time.

Prevention

Can hypoxemia be prevented?

There are steps y'all tin can take to prevent hypoxemia from returning after treatment. To increase the oxygen levels in your blood, your doc may recommend:

Deep animate exercises
Mild do such every bit walking or yoga
Eating a healthy nutrition
Drinking plenty of water
Quitting smoking

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for people with hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia symptoms can go away with handling. Depending on the cause, people with hypoxemia may require treatment once or on an ongoing ground. Your doctor will work with you to manage the status and then y'all tin alive an active, good for you life.

Living With

When should I call a doc regarding hypoxemia?

Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypoxemia. Early diagnosis and treatment can help ensure the status does non go worse and cause dangerous complications.

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Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17727-hypoxemia