What Is Hypoxia?
Hypoxia is a disease in which the body or any organ is deprived of oxygen. This is in contrast to hypoxemia, another disease where the blood is typically devoid of oxygen.
Anoxia is the most severe form of oxygen deprivation where it is almost absent in the tissues. Hypoxia to brain tissue can be fatal and symptoms occur minutes after inadequate oxygenation.
Hypoxia is usually irreversible and affects vital organs such as the brain, heart, etc. It can be caused by various factors, so there are various types of hypoxia, e.g.
What Causes Hypoxia?
- Asthma causes narrowing of the airways
- In extreme cases they can cause damage to the lungs, leading to hypoxia
- Drugs that affect the respiratory system
- Lung problems such as pneumonia, pneumonia, pneumonia
- Various heart diseases
- Decreased blood flow
- High altitude and low oxygen content in the surrounding environment
- Accidental cerebral hemorrhage
- The inability of tissues to absorb oxygen supplied by the lungs
- Even with constant air flow, the accumulation of carbon dioxide in an enclosed space can cause hypoxia
- Inhalation of inert gases such as nitrogen can cause fulminant hypoxia (rapid and severe onset).
- Lack of oxygenated blood can affect brain capacity, and subsequently brain disorders and diseases.
Signs Of Hypoxia
- Headache
- Dyspnea – Shortening of breath
- Syncope – Feel dizzy
- Ambivalence in decision making
- Sluggishness
- Increased rate of heartbeat and breathing rate
- Anxiety
- Impaired motor coordination
- Impaired visibility
- Cyanosis
How To Treat Hypoxia?
Treatment depends on the cause and disorder. However, common symptoms of shortness of breath usually resolve with oxygen. Mechanical ventilation devices are used to treat acute conditions.
At the right pressure, tissues can be supplied with increased oxygen, which has been proven to improve this condition. In some cases, a fluid flow is also provided.
Appropriate medication can also improve the condition. Passive measures to prevent hypoxia include environmental causes (smoking), adopting an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.
