Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)

About Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)

A condition of low oxygen concentration in the blood. Adequate oxygen levels require a proper functioning of the airways, lungs and heart. Any defect in this chain can cause low oxygen. Low oxygen may be caused by: infection (sepsis), lung infection (such as pneumonia), blood clots in lung, heart failure, airway obstruction, the effects of drugs or medications, and head injury.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath, confusion, cyanosis (blue discoloration), anxiety, fatigue.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be done to determine the cause of the low oxygen level and its severity. For example, a chest x-ray, oxygen saturation level and/or an arterial blood gas may be measured.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, EKG, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

The most immediate priorities are to reverse the cause of hypoxia and to administer enough oxygen to increase blood levels out of a dangerous range. Oxygen may be provided with a nasal cannula, face mask, or a ventilator if severe.

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Pulmonology · Family Practice · Pediatric Pulmonology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Hypoxia (lack of oxygen).