Hypoxic

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hypoxic refers to a condition in which there is a decrease in the oxygen supply to a tissue. In medicine, hypoxia is a pathological condition where the body as a whole (generalized hypoxia) or a region of the body (tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. Variations in arterial oxygen concentrations can be part of the normal physiology, for example, during strenuous physical exercise. A mismatch between oxygen supply and its demand at the cellular level may result in a hypoxic condition.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Hypoxia can result from a variety of factors, including:

  • Anemia: This is a condition in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
  • Asthma: A condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
  • Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of hypoxia can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's overall health. They may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid breathing
  • Confusion
  • Cough
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Wheezing

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for hypoxia depends on the cause and severity of the condition. It may include:

  • Oxygen therapy: This involves supplying the body with additional oxygen, usually through a mask or nasal cannula.
  • Medications: Certain drugs can help improve breathing and manage symptoms.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct underlying conditions causing the hypoxia.

See also[edit | edit source]

Hypoxic Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD