Hypoxemia, When Oxygen Deficiency is Blood

Hypoxemia is a condition where oxygen levels in the blood are low. In fact, oxygen is needed to keep organs and tissues functioning properly. Hypoxemia can be detected through physical examination and blood tests. Hypoxemia is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Without enough oxygen (even if only within a few minutes), the organs in the body, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and other important organs can be damaged and not function properly. Come on, find out more about hypoxemia, its causes, symptoms, and how to treat it.

Some Causes of Hypoxemia

Hypoxemia can be caused by several diseases or certain medical conditions including:

• Respiratory or lung disorders, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary embolism.
• Anemia, which is a condition in which blood lacks healthy red blood cells.
• Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart disease.
• Shock.
• Sepsis
• Acid-base balance disorders, such as acidosis.
• Poisoning or side effects of certain drugs.

Apart from diseases or medical conditions, environmental factors can also cause the amount of oxygen in the blood to decrease. Some of these environmental factors include:

• Located at an altitude of more than 2,400 meters above sea level or more, for example when climbing a mountain.
• Being in an environment full of cigarette smoke or becoming passive smokers.
• Exposed to severe air pollution.
• Inhaling toxic gases that make it hard for the lungs to work.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoxemia

Symptoms of hypoxemia can differ from one person to another, depending on the severity of the condition. Even so, the most common symptoms are:

• Shortness of breath or heavy breathing.
• Coughs.
• Headache.
• Confused.
• The heart beats fast.
• Blue skin, nails and lips (cyanosis).
• Decreased consciousness or coma.

To find out if the symptoms that appear refer to hypoxemia, an examination by a doctor is needed. In determining the diagnosis and looking for the cause, the doctor will conduct a complete physical examination, as well as support, such as blood tests and chest X-rays. To determine oxygen levels in the body, the following tests can be carried out:

• Pulse oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a test to measure the level of oxygen in the blood. This test can also detect how efficiently oxygen is flowed throughout the body. The test is done by pinching the fingers, toes, or earlobe with a pulse oximetry device.

• Blood gas analysis

This check is carried out to measure the levels of oxygen and other gases in the blood, as well as the acidity or pH of the blood. Blood gas analysis is done by taking blood samples from arteries in the wrist area.

• Respiratory test (spirometry)

Spirometry tests are performed to find out how optimal your respiratory function is and how well the lungs carry oxygen throughout the body. You must exhale deeply into a tube that is connected to a computer or other machine.

Handling Steps to Overcome Hypoxemia

Treatment of hypoxemia aims to increase oxygen levels in the blood. The treatment steps taken will also depend on how severe the hypoxemia is experienced and the underlying causes. Some treatments that can be done are:

• Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy uses an oxygen-filled nasal mask or tube. If the patient cannot breathe on his own, intubation may be needed to install a breathing apparatus in the form of a pipe in the patient's airway. After the breathing apparatus has been installed, the doctor can pump oxygen through a special oxygen-filled bag (ambu bag), or use the aid of a ventilator.

• Giving medicine

Drug selection can vary greatly, depending on the factors causing hypoxemia in patients. If it is caused by asthma or narrowing of the airway, the doctor can give bronchodilators and corticosteroids. For hypoxemia caused by infection, for example due to sepsis or pneumonia, the doctor can give antibiotics.

For hypoxemia caused by anemia or heavy bleeding, the doctor can provide treatment in the form of blood transfusion. Because it is a severe condition that requires close medical monitoring and appropriate treatment, hypoxemic patients will generally need treatment in the ICU. As mentioned above, hypoxemia needs to be treated immediately by a doctor in the hospital. If not, hypoxemia can cause body tissue and organs to suffer severe damage which can result in organ malfunction, permanent organ damage, even death.