Hypoxia

Every single cell in your body requires oxygen to function properly. If, for any reason, this oxygen supply is disrupted or insufficient, it can result in a medical condition known as hypoxia. It can cause symptoms ranging from shortness of breath and fatigue to severe organ damage. It can affect a specific organ, a region, or the entire body. 

In some cases, it can be caused by emergencies like drowning or chronic illnesses like heart disease or anaemia. In some cases, it can even occur without any visible symptoms, as was seen during COVID-19 through the condition called happy hypoxia. Understanding the types of hypoxia, its signs, causes, and treatment is crucial for timely intervention. Let’s dive in!

1.0Types of Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a serious, and even irreversible in some situations, condition affecting vital organs like the heart and the brain. Depending on the underlying causes, it can be classified into the following types of hypoxia:

2.0Signs of Hypoxia

Hypoxia can manifest through a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. Common signs include:

• Headache
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Fainting or light-headedness (syncope)
• Fatigue or sluggishness
• Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia) and/or rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Feelings of anxiety or restlessness
• Poor motor coordination or clumsiness
• Cyanosis – a bluish tint to the lips, fingers, or skin due to low oxygen levels
• Blurred or impaired vision

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent and duration of oxygen deprivation.

3.0Causes of Hypoxia

There are a lot of possible culprits behind hypoxia. Here are a few common and significant causes of hypoxia:

• Airway narrowing caused by conditions that restrict oxygen flow to the lungs, like asthma attacks.
• Severe physical or emotional distress that impairs oxygen exchange by damaging lung tissues.
• The medications you might be taking have a side effect of disrupting normal breathing patterns.
• Lung conditions such as pneumonia impact the efficiency of your lungs.
• Heart diseases that affect blood circulation, and thereby, the oxygen delivery.
• Anaemia reduces the haemoglobin levels, so the blood isn’t able to carry oxygen.
• Exposure to high altitudes where the oxygen levels are low.
• Brain injuries can interfere with respiratory regulation.
• Build-up of carbon dioxide in enclosed spaces or poor air circulation, resulting in low oxygen availability.
• Cellular inability to use oxygen because of toxic or metabolic disruptions.
• Decreased oxygenated blood supply to the brain not only impairs cognitive function but also leads to neurological disorders.
• Inhaling inert gases like nitrogen can cause fulminant (sudden and severe) hypoxia.

4.0Hypoxia Treatment

There are several factors that determine the hypoxia treatment, including its type, underlying cause, and severity. However, every form of therapy has the same goal of restoring oxygen levels to the normal level. Each treatment focuses on restoring and maintaining oxygen levels in the body's vital organs.

If you are experiencing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, confusion, or cyanosis, seek medical intervention immediately. One of the immediate treatments you will receive is oxygen therapy. You will be delivered supplemental oxygen through a face mask, nasal cannula, or a specialised system that boosts oxygen supply.

If you have a severe case of hypoxia, especially during conditions like pneumonia, ARDS, or COVID-19-induced Happy Hypoxia, you might have to get on mechanical ventilation that will take over the breathing process for you. Liquid oxygen may also be prescribed for long-term use in cases of chronic conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or COPD.

Other than oxygen support, you will also be treated to address the root cause:

• Bronchodilators and corticosteroids to open airways in case of COPD or asthma.
• Antivirals or antibiotics for treating infections, such as pneumonia.
• Blood transfusions, vitamin B12, or iron supplements to help with anaemic hypoxia.
• Diuretics and vasodilators are used to improve blood flow in cases of circulatory hypoxia.
• Antidotes like hydroxocobalamin counteract toxins in histotoxic hypoxia.

Other than treatment, you also need to focus on supportive and preventive measures. This means avoiding tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, and air pollutants. This will significantly reduce the risk for individuals who have respiratory issues. You must also have a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and iron so that your haemoglobin and cellular health are maintained. Regular exercise, breathing exercises, and yoga will improve your oxygen delivery and lung capacity.

If you work in a high-risk environment, such as confined industrial spaces, it is essential to prioritise oxygen equipment, proper ventilation, and safety training.