Hypoxia
Overview of Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a condition in which the blood does not get enough oxygen supply. As a result of which the cells and tissues in the body do not get enough oxygen. Hypoxia can lead to many serious health conditions if not managed effectively.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypoxia
The only way our body gets oxygen is through our lungs. Any diseases or conditions that affect the working of this precious organ can lead to hypoxia. Some visible symptoms of hypoxia are:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath especially after performing some physical activity
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Waking up gasping for air
- The bluish undertone of the skin
- Headache
Consider talking to your doctor as soon as you feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
Types of Hypoxia
Causes of Hypoxia
Hypoxia can occur due to a number of reasons involving:
- Having an underlying lung disease like asthma
- Already having some heart disease
- Being at a high altitude area
- Emphysema
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Congenital Heart defects
- Sleep apnea
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Pneumonia
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Anemia
- Pulmonary Edema
Risk Factors of Hypoxia
Risk factors linked to hypoxia include:
- Complicated heart problems
- Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Strong Drug medications
- Medication side effects
- Heart attack
- Anemia
Complications of Hypoxia
- Mood disorders or depression
- Fatigue and body ache
- Confusion and cloudy mind
- Sudden high blood pressure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Rapid increase in heart rhythm
- Heart failure
Risk factors linked to hypoxia include:
- Complicated heart problems
- Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Strong Drug medications
- Medication side effects
- Heart attack
- Anemia
Complications of Hypoxia
- Mood disorders or depression
- Fatigue and body ache
- Confusion and cloudy mind
- Sudden high blood pressure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Rapid increase in heart rhythm
- Heart failure
Prevention
Hypoxia can be prevented by:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mild exercises such as yoga and walking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Drinking plenty of water
- Cutting down on smoking
Diagnosis
There are certain tests involved to properly diagnose hypoxia.
The most obvious way to diagnose hypoxia is to use oxygen monitors (pulse oximeters) that determine the oxygen levels in the blood. A complete physical examination or some other pulmonary test functions might be involved too.
Treatment of Hypoxia | When to Consult a Doctor
Hypoxia can be treated by first identifying the reason for it and then treating it for that condition. Usually, hypoxia can be treated by increasing the oxygen supply in the blood. This can be done through medication or through oxygen therapy.
In case you exhibit any concerning signs and symptoms of hypoxia, consult a certified pulmonologist as soon as possible.
Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Pakistan
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Lahore
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Karachi
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Islamabad
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Multan
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Rawalpindi
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Peshawar
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Faisalabad
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Bahawalpur
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Abbottabad
- Doctors to treat Hypoxia in Hyderabad