Everything You Need to Know About Hypoxemia

As blood travels throughout the body, it’s responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen to our organs, tissues, and cells. When we breathe in, the hemoglobin in red blood cells picks up oxygen molecules from the lungs and carries them to every part of the body. The tissues use the oxygen for fuel and release carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The red blood cells then take the carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. It is essential to maintain normal oxygen levels so the body can continue to function optimally. When circulating oxygen levels fall, the cells begin to “starve,” which can cause several complications. If levels fall too far below normal, a condition known as hypoxemia occurs, and if this happens regularly, it can put you at risk for more severe health problems and even death.

Hypoxemia is a condition in which there is an abnormally low amount of oxygen in the blood, and is generally a sign of a breathing or circulation problem. Hypoxemia can cause mild symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, and fast heart rate. The body is usually able to regulate oxygen levels, but if there is an underlying condition and these levels cannot return to normal, the severity of hypoxemia worsens. In severe cases of hypoxemia, heart and brain function becomes affected, leading to high blood pressure, visual disturbances, poor memory, extreme fatigue, weakness, and skin turning blue (cyanosis). Hypoxemia, if severe enough, can lead to low oxygen levels in the tissues, called hypoxia. If hypoxia develops, there is not enough oxygen available to sustain everyday functions.

So, what causes this condition? Well, there are certain factors needed to supply the body with enough oxygen, including having enough available oxygen in the air, the lungs’ ability to inhale and exhale efficiently, and the bloodstream’s ability to circulate blood effectively. If there are any issues in these systems, it could result in low blood oxygen content. Some conditions that can lead to hypoxemia include:

  • High altitudes, where oxygen content is lower.
  • Heart conditions such as heart disease, heart defects, and anemia.
  • Lung conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchitis.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Strong pain medications can lead to decreases in breathing rate, or hypoventilation.

The most accurate way to diagnose hypoxemia is through an arterial blood gas test called an ABG. A sample of blood is taken from the radial artery in the wrist, and the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are measured, as well as the pH of the blood. This test measures how well the lungs are exchanging the gases. Normal ABG levels range from 80 to 100 mmHg. Values lower than 80 mmHg are low, and if values reach 60 mmHg, it can indicate a need for supplemental oxygen therapy. While this test is the most accurate, it is not the quickest way to determine the oxygen saturation of the blood.

A less invasive and convenient way to test oxygen levels is with a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a plastic clip that is placed over a finger and emits an infrared light that shines through the finger and reflects off the gases in the blood, giving a percentage of oxygen saturation. Normal readings, or SpO2 levels, range from 95 to 100 percent. Values below 90 percent are low, and if levels drop to 88 percent, medical intervention with supplemental oxygen is necessary. A pulse oximeter can rapidly detect changes in oxygen saturation to warn people of approaching or existing hypoxemia. This helps determine when supplemental oxygen is most useful to maintain healthy oxygen levels.

In mild cases of hypoxemia, certain lifestyle changes can be made to ensure the body’s ability to absorb an adequate amount of oxygen. This includes mild exercise, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and not smoking. However, if it is determined that an individual is suffering from severe hypoxemia, immediate treatment with supplemental oxygen therapy is required to raise blood oxygen levels. Oxygen is delivered through a mask covering the nose and mouth or through a nasal cannula, or tube. The amount of time oxygen is received will depend on the severity of hypoxemia. If hypoxemia is left untreated, it can cause damage to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, and may even lead to death. While it is imperative to quickly establish normal oxygen levels when hypoxemia occurs, it is also important to determine and treat the underlying cause or condition. Treatment can include medicated inhalers or continuous passive airway pressure, CPAP, therapy.

Early diagnosis and treatment of hypoxemia is essential to ensure the condition does not worsen and cause significant complications. If you are experiencing shortness of breath that appears suddenly or affects your ability to perform simple tasks, you should always seek medical attention. If you experience shortness of breath or wake up gasping for air, you could be suffering from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder that may be causing hypoxemia. Start with our free online sleep assessment to see if you could be at risk for a sleep-related breathing disorder today!

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.