Hypoxia, a condition of lack of oxygen supply in cells and body tissues to carry out its normal functions.

Hypoxia is a condition of lack of oxygen supply in cells and body tissues to carry out its normal functions. Hypoxia is a dangerous condition because it can disrupt the functioning of the brain, liver, and other organs quickly.

Oxygen obtained from the environment when we breathe will be transported by blood from the lungs to the heart. The heart will pump oxygen-rich blood to all body cells through the blood vessels. Hypoxia can occur if there is a disruption in the oxygen transport system from breathing to oxygen being used by body cells.

Symptoms of Hypoxia

Symptoms of hypoxia can appear and worsen quickly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Some of the symptoms that accompany hypoxia, including:

Short and fast breathing.

Fast heartbeat.

Skin color becomes slightly bluish or can become bright red like a cherry, depending on the cause of the hypotension.

Limp.

Become confused or confused.

Loss of consciousness.

Sweating.

Cough.

Taste like being strangled.

Breath sounds (wheezing).

Some other signs of hypoxia are found in infants and children, including the child becoming weak and lethargic, fussy, upset, out of focus, and restless.

If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor immediately to get treatment. Even though the advanced symptoms have disappeared, you are still encouraged to see a doctor.

Causes of Hypoxia

Some causes of hypoxia include:

Hypoxic hypoxia. This happens when oxygen levels in arteries go down. Some causes of hypoxic hypoxia:

Being in a situation with low oxygen levels, for example when a fire, sinking, and being at an altitude.

There are lung diseases, such as asthma, respiratory failure, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumothorax, and sleep apnea.

Circumstances that stop breathing, for example when using fentanyl drugs.

Stagnant hypoxia or hypoperfusion. This situation occurs due to impaired blood flow. Hypoperfusion is caused by:

Cardiac disorders, such as bradycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

Cessation of arterial blood flow to organs, for example in people with gunshot wounds or arterial thrombosis.

Anemic hypoxia. Anemic hypoxia occurs when the capacity of the blood carrying oxygen decreases in capacity. So that the blood is no longer rich in oxygen. This situation occurs in:

Anemia and conditions where the function of red blood cells is damaged, as in methemoglobinemia.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Histotoxic hypoxia. This condition occurs when there is interference with cells in using oxygen. Cyanide poisoning is an example of histotoxic hypoxia.

In addition to the above conditions, inflammation and sepsis can also cause hypoxia. This type of hypoxia is called cytopathic hypoxia.

Diagnosis of Hypoxia

Some ways that are done by doctors to diagnose hypoxia in patients, namely:

Installation of a device called pulse oximetry on the fingers and ears to detect oxygen levels in the blood.

Examination of blood gas analysis by taking blood samples from arteries.

The most important thing when doctors know there is hypoxia is to determine the cause of hypoxia. Some investigations such as pulmonary function tests and cyanide or CO levels in the blood can help in making the diagnosis.

Hypoxia Treatment

If you have conditions that can cause hypoxia and feel symptoms of hypoxia, you should go to the hospital immediately to get the right treatment. Restoring the optimal supply into the body and addressing the causes of hypoxia is the most important treatment.

There are several treatment methods to restore optimal oxygen supply to the body:

Providing additional oxygen. The body of hypoxic patients will be supplied with additional oxygen, using a hose or mask that is connected to the oxygen cylinder. The faster the oxygen level in the body returns to normal, the smaller the risk of damage to organs.

A breathing apparatus or ventilator. The respiratory tract will be connected to the ventilator machine, using a tube that is inserted from the throat through the vocal cords.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (TOHB). Patients with hypoxia caused by carbon monoxide poisoning will be put into a high-pressure (hyperbaric) room with pure oxygen.

Complications of Hypoxia

Hypoxia that is overcome too late can cause damage to cells, tissues, and organs, and can cause death.

However, hypoxia that is treated with oxygen can also cause complications. Excessive administration of oxygen can actually poison the body's tissues (hyperoxia). This can cause:

Cataract.

Vertigo.

Convulsions.

Changes in behavior.

Pneumonia.

Hypoxia Prevention

Prevention of hypoxia can be done by avoiding an environment that can reduce oxygen levels or use additional oxygen from oxygen cylinders before hypoxia appears. Hypoxia caused by asthma can be avoided by undergoing asthma treatment according to instructions given by the doctor. This therapy can also help patients control asthma.

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