Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
This differs fromhypoxemia, which is not having the proper amount of oxygen in the blood. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are distinct conditions.
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This article explains the different types of hypoxia. It also covers signs and symptoms of hypoxia, as well as potential causes and treatment options.
Types of Hypoxia
The different types of hypoxia showcase the variety of things that can go wrong when it comes to keeping tissues adequately oxygenated.
The main types of hypoxia include:
1:53Click Play to Learn the Different Types of Hypoxia
1:53
Click Play to Learn the Different Types of Hypoxia
Signs and Symptoms of Hypoxia
The signs and symptoms of hypoxia vary from person to person.
They may include:
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Complications
Long-term, milder hypoxia can cause serious damage as the body tries to adapt to the lower oxygen levels. Research indicates that it may play a significant role in:
If a case is severe, damage can begin within minutes of hypoxia occurring. The following can occur as a result:
Anoxiameans there is no oxygen reaching the body or parts of the body.
Why Hypoxia Occurs
Different types of hypoxia can occur due to certain circumstances and because of some medical conditions.
Causes of hypemic hypoxia may include:
Causes of circulatory/stagnant hypoxia may include:
There are different tests your healthcare provider may order to confirm hypoxia and better understand why its occurring.
Some tests may include:
Hypoxia Treatment
The treatment of hypoxia depends on the specific underlying cause.
Treatment may includeoxygen therapy, which delivers oxygen to you through a mask or tubes in your nose.
In some cases,mechanical ventilationmay be needed to do the work of breathing for a person who isn’t taking in enough oxygen.
When necessary,medicationsmay be used to treat with the underlying condition.
Other treatments may be given depending on the underlying cause.
Summary
Symptoms of hypoxia will vary from person to person. Both severe hypoxia and mild, long-term hypoxia can lead to serious damage. Treatment depends on your specific needs and if there is an underlying condition.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA pulse oximeter reading below 92% could indicate hypoxia.Even mild forms of hypoxia can lead to serious issues and require medical treatment.This describes when an individual has low oxygen levels, but is able to breathe normally and doesn’t have any other symptoms. For instance, Covid-19 is especially likely to cause silent hypoxia.
A pulse oximeter reading below 92% could indicate hypoxia.
Even mild forms of hypoxia can lead to serious issues and require medical treatment.
This describes when an individual has low oxygen levels, but is able to breathe normally and doesn’t have any other symptoms. For instance, Covid-19 is especially likely to cause silent hypoxia.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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