Hypoxemia is condition referring to low oxygen level. For a human body to function well, there is a need for constant flow of enough oxygen in the cells and tissues. People who do not have enough oxygen have difficulty with breathing. However, shortness of breath can be caused by a variety factors and thus, it is best for one to see a doctor who will determine if you have low oxygen.
A basic tool used to determine oxygen amount is the pulse oximeter. This is a common device in hospitals. It is clipped on a patient's finger or on the earlobe. The main work of the device is to measure the saturation of oxygen in the blood. Nonetheless, the device is often used to estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood. A normal pulse reading should be between 95-100 percent. Anything below 90 percent is considered as low.
Causes of low oxygen
A number of things can cause low amounts of oxygen. Some of the common suspects include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, airway obstruction, interstitial lung disease, emphysema, anaemia, shock, sleep apnoea, blood clot in the lungs, and heart conditions.
Effects
1. Secondary Polycythemia
Secondary polycythemia can occur when one has low oxygen levels. Due to the low levels, the bone marrow reacts by pumping extra red blood cells into the blood stream in an effort to increase the oxygen level. However, the condition normally leads to headaches, visual problems and fatigue.
A basic tool used to determine oxygen amount is the pulse oximeter. This is a common device in hospitals. It is clipped on a patient's finger or on the earlobe. The main work of the device is to measure the saturation of oxygen in the blood. Nonetheless, the device is often used to estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood. A normal pulse reading should be between 95-100 percent. Anything below 90 percent is considered as low.
Causes of low oxygen
A number of things can cause low amounts of oxygen. Some of the common suspects include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, airway obstruction, interstitial lung disease, emphysema, anaemia, shock, sleep apnoea, blood clot in the lungs, and heart conditions.
Effects
1. Secondary Polycythemia
Secondary polycythemia can occur when one has low oxygen levels. Due to the low levels, the bone marrow reacts by pumping extra red blood cells into the blood stream in an effort to increase the oxygen level. However, the condition normally leads to headaches, visual problems and fatigue.