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Hypoxemia is nothing more than an excessive reduction in the oxygen tension (below 60 mm Hg), which is found in the arterial blood. This condition can lead to serious disturbances in the body’s metabolic processes. Hypoxemia is also understood as a decrease in the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen. Its course may be chronic or acute. It is caused by disturbances in the proper functioning of the body, but also by situations in which the body is exposed to the reduction of oxygen tension. Such a factor is being at high altitudes. How is hypoxemia treated? How do you recognize the symptoms of hypoxemia?
Hypoxemia – symptoms
Low oxygen tension in the blood (below 60 mm Hg, with the normal value around 100 mm Hg), which results in hypoxaemia, can lead to tissue hypoxia. This condition is defined by medical terminology as hypoxia. The first symptoms hypoxemia they are fairly easy to spot. They concern the respiratory system, the function of which is disturbed as a result of insufficient oxygen. One of the first symptoms of hypoxia is shortness of breath, difficulty catching breath, coughing, and tachycardia. Person who has symptoms hypoxemia, complains of chest pain, restlessness, confusion, dizziness and headache, as well as excessive sleepiness and light-headedness. Hypoxemia may also be accompanied by fever, pale or cyanotic skin, and disturbed consciousness. A characteristic symptom hypoxemia chronic are the so-called stick fingers. They have a specific, rounded, convex shape.
Untreated hypoxemia leads to death as a result of organ hypoxia.
Hypoxemia – causes
The brain can only last a few minutes without constant access to oxygen. After this time, irreversible changes occur in it, destroying brain structures. Hypoxemia appears with a significant extension of the time during which there is no constant supply of oxygen. Ailments that may cause hypoxia are too low concentration of hemoglobin or a fraction of red blood cells, respiratory diseases – emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, ARDS, i.e. acute pulmonary failure syndrome. Hypoxemia It is observed in cases of epilepsy and injuries in the area of the brain, neck and chest. Hypoxemia it can also be caused by ingestion drugswhich can cause breathing problems as well as carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon monoxide).
Hypoxemia it can also be caused by the reduced oxygen partial pressure in the air. This is the case in the mountains. The pressure drops significantly from an altitude of about 5800 m above sea level. At this altitude, the partial pressure of oxygen almost doubles. It is the insufficient amount of oxygen that should reach the alveoli and participate in the gas exchange that causes shallow breathing and other, above-mentioned symptoms. Both acute and chronic hypoxaemia requires immediate medical intervention.
Hypoxemia – treatment
Hypoxemia is a very serious condition which, lasting more than 5 minutes, can lead to, among other things, for acute heart failure, myocardial ischemia, respiratory failure, cerebral edema, and death. The first symptoms hypoxemia are quite characteristic, so if you recognize them, you should immediately call an ambulance and start first aid. To do this, open the airways. The person found hypoxemiamust be surrendered tlenoterapii about 40 percent oxygen. If her condition does not improve, doctors may decide to give her 100% oxygen. However, at the heart of the treatment hypoxemia lies the removal of the factor that this hypoxemia induces. Of course, this does not apply to coexisting diseases, but rather to staying at high altitudes or in a room with a high concentration of carbon monoxide. Sometimes a person suffering from hypoxia requires connection to specialized equipment that will support the work of the lungs.
Hypoxemia – prognosis
The prognosis in the case of hypoxemia they depend on the speed with which the sick person will be treated. Brain cell degradation due to oxygen deficiency develops very quickly, so timing is important.
Hypoxemia – prophylaxis
Counteracting hypoxemia is based on performing periodic blood tests, using an oxygen cylinder when staying at high altitudes, resigning from taking drugs and other substances that may cause depression of the respiratory center.