Anoxemia is a medical condition in which there is a lack of oxygen in the blood. It is a potentially life-threatening condition and can lead to tissue and organ damage if not treated promptly. The most common cause of anoxemia is respiratory failure, which is when the body is unable to adequately take in oxygen through the lungs and deliver it to the cells. Other causes include cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning, and severe anemia.
Symptoms of anoxemia vary depending on the severity of the oxygen deprivation. Mild symptoms include confusion, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. More severe symptoms include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and blue-tinged skin. If left untreated, anoxemia can quickly become life-threatening and can lead to coma or death.
Treatment of anoxemia depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is caused by respiratory failure, supplemental oxygen may be given. If the condition is caused by anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary. In cases of cardiac arrest or pulmonary embolism, cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be necessary. Carbon monoxide poisoning requires oxygen therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Anoxemia is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It is important to seek medical attention if any of the symptoms of anoxemia are present. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further complications and improve outcomes.
References
Cox, S. L. (2020). Anoxemia. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554784/
Kumar, N., & Kaul, U. (2020). Anoxemia. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554784/
Chang, P., & Hsu, Y. (2018). Anoxemia. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459154/