Hypoxia is a lack of oxygen in the arterial blood. More generally, medicine also uses it to refer to low oxygen concentration in tissues. Hypoxia usually occurs as a result of other diseases.
What is hypoxia?
Hypoxia refers to the lack of oxygen in arterial blood. Oxygen is taken up in the lungs from the air we breathe and transferred to fine blood vessels called capillaries. From there, the heart and pulse pump oxygen particles throughout the body in the larger arteries. Oxygen-rich blood travels this way to organs and tissues, which reabsorb the oxygen. Within the tissues, capillaries again distribute the oxygen; this finally penetrates to the individual cells that need it for their metabolism. Cells that do not have sufficient oxygen die. The term hypoxia is also used in a more general sense to describe an undersupply of oxygen in certain parts of the body. In this case, despite sufficient oxygen in the blood, there is too little oxygen in the tissues, causing decreased tissue respiration. Tissue respiration is the medical term for the exchange of oxygen and other respiratory gases within an association of cells, at the end of which they release carbon dioxide. The cells then excrete this metabolic product; the capillaries absorb the carbon dioxide and transport it back to the lungs via the bloodstream. There, it re-enters the surrounding air through exhalation.
Causes
Several underlying conditions can be considered for the development of hypoxia. One potential basis of hypoxia is anemia. This is a deficiency of red blood cells. The body transports oxygen molecules via red blood cells. Accordingly, a deficiency of them leads to insufficient means of transporting oxygen. Although the air we breathe contains enough oxygen in this case, the organism cannot reabsorb enough oxygen in its lungs due to anemia: Hypoxia is the result. On the other hand, when respiratory disorders cause the hypoxia, medicine calls it respiratory hypoxia. Circulatory hypoxemia also causes hypoxia in some circumstances. Circulatory hypoxemia is what medicine calls a basic lack of oxygen in the blood, which need not be limited to arterial blood. A value of 200 ml of oxygen per liter of blood is considered normal. A significantly decreased concentration of oxygen by 12 percent or more falls within the definition of hypoxemia. Histotoxic or cystotoxic hypoxia describes oxygen deficiency in tissues caused by blockage of cellular respiration. Deficiency of enzymes and vitamins can also cause oxygen deficiency in tissues. Physiological shock states, which cause circulatory distress, are another potential cause; in this case, medicine refers to circulatory hypoxia. In addition, smoke inhalation or near drowning cause the medical condition.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Characteristic symptoms of hypoxia include changes in breathing, acceleration of the pulse, and/or chest pain. Mental symptoms such as baseless euphoria, perceived lightness, or delirium may also indicate hypoxia. In addition, hypoxia possibly causes dizziness, feelings of weakness, and general malaise. Prolonged undersupply of oxygen to body tissues may result in weakening of the circulation and even unconsciousness. In this case, difficulties in perceptions, subjective perception of turning, trembling, feelings of heat and cold, and sweating provide signs of a critical condition. Nausea without actual gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. As a general rule, the symptoms of hypoxia manifest themselves in a variety of ways; the typical complaints that occur in the context of hypoxia are nonspecific symptoms that may also be present in numerous other conditions. For this reason, the presence of the above-mentioned signs is not a sufficient criterion to conclude hypoxia; only a medical clarification can lead to a correct diagnosis in the individual case and enable a goal-oriented treatment.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
If hypoxia is suspected, special testing can provide clarity. Patients breathe in a controlled mixture of respiratory gases for this purpose.The exact composition of the gas mixture varies depending on which of the various hypoxia tests the treating specialists select. A subsequent measurement of the oxygen concentration in the blood provides information about whether hypoxia is present.
Complications
The lack of oxygen in the blood can lead to various symptoms and complications that, in the worst case, can be life-threatening for the patient. There is a general feeling of illness and severe dizziness. Furthermore, the patient also suffers from vomiting and nausea and a greatly reduced ability to cope with stress. Everyday life is considerably restricted as a result. As the disease progresses, this can lead to unconsciousness, during which the patient may injure himself. Likewise, pain occurs in the extremities and the affected person may suffer from sleep problems, which lead to general irritability. In many cases, hypoxia cannot be diagnosed immediately because the symptoms are not characteristic of this condition. If there is a complete undersupply of oxygen to a particular region of the body, this region may die or suffer permanent damage in the worst case. Therefore, treatment always takes place acutely and is aimed at supplying oxygen to the undersupplied tissue. No complications occur during the treatment itself. However, secondary damage can occur, which not infrequently leads to the death of the patient.
When should you go to the doctor?
If changes in breathing, chest pain, and elevated blood pressure are noted, hypoxia may be underlying. A physician should be consulted if symptoms persist for more than two to three days or rapidly increase in intensity. If symptoms such as dizziness, malaise or general physical weakness are noticed, a doctor must also be consulted. Medical advice is required at the latest when feelings of heat and cold, sweating or dizziness become apparent that cannot be attributed to any other cause. Patients who suddenly experience nausea or feel unwell for a prolonged period are best advised to speak to a doctor. People suffering from anemia are particularly at risk. Respiratory or circulatory system disorders can also lead to the development of hypoxia. People who belong to these risk groups are best to inform their family doctor if they experience the symptoms mentioned above. He or she can perform the necessary examinations and clarify and treat hypoxia before serious complications develop.
Treatment and therapy
As hypoxia progresses, the complete absence of oxygen in a particular tissue or body part may occur. This condition is referred to by physicians as anoxia. The transition between hypoxia and anoxia is fluid. Severe lack of oxygen, especially over long periods of time, potentially leads to damage to organs – the brain is particularly affected. In this case, medicine refers to cerebral hypoxia. The treatment of hypoxia depends largely on the individual causes; in the case of an underlying disease, the therapy of the underlying disease is paramount. For this reason, there is no universal standard. In some circumstances, physicians may introduce supplemental oxygen via breathing air or directly to an undersupplied tissue for treatment.
Prevention
Preventive measures for hypoxia play a role when a disease is present that can typically lead to hypoxia. Basically, for prevention as well as therapy of hypoxia, the treatment of the underlying disease is the main focus. To prevent hypoxia, especially in children, it is important to prevent mechanical influences from interrupting the air supply and thereby possibly leading to subsequent hypoxia.
Follow-up
Follow-up care for hypoxia is similar to preventive measures. These are used when individuals suffer from a medical condition that is a trigger for hypoxia. Thus, it is primarily a matter of treating the causative disease. To minimize the risk in children, parents should take care that breathing is not restricted by mechanical influences. Small objects pose a great risk in this regard. For children as well as adult patients, it is also important to monitor breathing and pay attention to certain body signals. High blood pressure, chest pain or similar complaints are typical signs.If such problems occur in an intense form or for a longer period of time, a doctor should be consulted. In the course of follow-up, those at risk should pay particular attention to dizziness or malaise. A good self-assessment is very helpful here. A sudden panic may increase the dizziness or sweating, but may also be one of the typical signals. People with anemia should be especially attentive and pay attention to their breathing. Otherwise, there is a risk of fainting spells. A healthy cardiovascular system, on the other hand, is less susceptible. Therefore, doctors often recommend consistent exercise and a balanced diet to those with the condition.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Since hypoxia usually occurs as a consequence of other diseases, the underlying disease should always be treated in the foreground. However, hypoxia can be avoided very easily in young children by placing dangerous objects out of reach. This applies especially to plastic bags or small objects on which children can easily choke. Children should also always be supervised near water to avoid accidents and hypoxia. If an acute emergency occurs, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation must be performed immediately. This applies even if the patient has already lost consciousness. A stable lateral position must also be ensured. In emergencies, the emergency physician must also be notified. The earlier the emergency physician arrives, the greater the likelihood of a mild course of the disease without complications. A healthy lifestyle also has a positive effect on the disease. Smoking, in particular, should be avoided. Direct treatment of the underlying disease can usually only be performed by a physician. Whether it comes to a complete cure, can not be predicted.
