Definition: Hypoxia is defined as inadequate oxygen supply to the cells and tissues of the body.
Causes of Hypoxemia
Hypoxia can be caused by a number of factors such as:
- COPD
- Hypoventilation
- Pulmonary hypertension (a complication of COPD)
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Pulmonary embolism
Causes of Hypoxia in COPD
Because breathing problems associated with COPD reduce the amount of oxygen available in the blood (hypoxemia), less oxygen is available to the cells and tissues of the body, and hypoxia occurs.
Symptoms of Hypoxia
Symptoms of hypoxia include:
- Headache
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Increased blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Lightheadedness
- A bluish discoloration of the skin, lips and/or nail beds (cyanosis)
Pronunciation: hi-poks-e-a
Also Known As: decreased oxygen, low oxygen level
Common Misspellings: hipoxia, hypocsia
Examples:
My husband became so short of breath the other day. He had hypoxia and, as a result, his lips turned blue.
