Hypoxia is a condition where the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen, which can be caused by altitude sickness, drug use, breathing conditions, anesthesia complications, heart failure, and more. There are different types of hypoxia, including hypoxic hypoxia, hyperemic hypoxia, ischemic hypoxia, and histotoxic hypoxia, each with different causes and potential dangers.
People who suffer from hypoxia don’t get enough oxygen for all or part of their body. There are several types of hypoxia: hypoxic hypoxia, in which the whole body is affected; hyperemic hypoxia, in which blood oxygen levels are low; ischemic hypoxia, in which blood flow is restricted to certain parts of the body; and histotoxic hypoxia, in which cells are unable to process the oxygen delivered to them. All these situations can be very dangerous and life threatening. Just as there are various types of hypoxia, there are also a variety of causes of hypoxia.
One of the main causes of hypoxic hypoxia is altitude sickness. People traveling at higher altitudes than they are used to may experience decreased oxygen levels in the air they breathe. Symptoms of this type of hypoxia typically come on slowly and can include fatigue, headache, and nausea and shortness of breath. Sufferers should try to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and slow or stop their ascent to higher altitudes if symptoms persist.
Numerous other situations can also be causes of generalized hypoxia. Those who use nitrous oxide and other inhalants as recreational drugs are at risk of depleting oxygen levels in their bodies. People with conditions that affect breathing such as sleep apnea, asthma or emphysema can be affected. Sometimes complications arise from the use of anesthesia, which can lead to oxygen deprivation in the body. Heart failure can also be a cause.
Ischemic hypoxia, also known as stagnant hypoxia, can affect many different parts of the body and damage tissue. Perhaps one of the most dangerous is the loss of oxygen to the brain, which can lead to severe and irreversible brain damage. Some causes of hypoxia that affect the brain include suffocation, strangulation, or suffocation. Blocked arteries leading to the head could be to blame. Brain trauma and blood clots can also cut off blood supply to areas of the brain.
In the case of histotoxic hypoxia, cells are damaged and therefore unable to absorb and use oxygen. This is often the result of excessive drug or alcohol use. Taking some poisons, such as cyanide or hydrogen sulphide, can also be a cause.
Some people may experience a decrease in blood oxygen levels, called hyperemic hypoxia. Deformities or a lack of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, may be to blame. This condition is also commonly caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
