Hypoxia

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Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a condition in which the supply of oxygen to conduct normal life functions is insufficient; hypoxemia is a condition or state where there is a low arterial oxygen supply.    Both are related and very similar.  There are a variety of causes and potential causes of any type of hypoxia.  One of them is asphyxia by poisoning. Hypoxia may onset gradually such as when a person breathes to much Carbon.  see Carbon Monoxide & Dioxide Poisoning. 

Symptoms of hypoxia are:

• shortness of breath (Respiratory: Pulmonary System) 
• rapid breathing, and
• a fast heart rate.  (Pulmonary & Cardiovascular)  

Severe symptoms include:

• The inability to communicate (CNS Central Nervous System) 
• Confusion (CNS Central Nervous System) 
• Fainting (CNS Central Nervous System) (Pulmonary & Cardiovascular)  

Coma and even death can result.   Hypoxia or hypoxemia symptoms in children are similar in addition there may be drooling.  Hypoxemia is the formal definition of Hypoxia a below-normal level of oxygen in your blood, specifically in the arteries which causes, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, Tachycardia (a fast heart rate), fainting, dizziness and inability to communicate. 

In general, hypoxia and/or hypoxemia’s effects can be easily noticed and discerned and a person can rest and someone close to them can help them to apply emergency oxygen.   A formal diagnosis of hypoxia by physical examination is done by using oxygen monitors (pulse oximeters), determining, oxygen level in a blood gas sample and may include pulmonary function tests.   Because Tachycardia plays a big factor, it is important fora person to relax and get rest while being treated with oxygen as quickly as possible.

Techniques for applying oxygen vary widely according to the patient’s condition, but may include oxygen by face mask or nasal cannula, mechanical ventilation (intubation), hyperbaric chamber, or other devices or medicines to open airways.

Hypoxia and/or hypoxemia may be prevented in some individuals by breath gin fresh air and oxygen and avoiding breathing environments and restrictions that cause them to breath carbon.  

People with asthma have to breath oxygen too and can prevent the onset of hypoxia/hypoxemia symptoms by taking certain medications on a regular basis as prescribed by their doctor.  Asthma’s days may be numbed as well.