Chronic hypoxia is a condition where body tissues are deprived of oxygen over months or years, often caused by heart and lung problems. It can result in weakened cellular functions and general decline in health. Respiratory disorders, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, chronic blood loss, and heavy smoking are common causes. Symptoms include weakness, poor reflexes, muscle cramps, bluish discoloration of the skin, and difficulty breathing. Pulmonologists diagnose and treat patients with chronic hypoxia using medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. Treatment includes supplemental oxygen.
Chronic hypoxia is a condition in which body tissues are continuously deprived of needed oxygen over the course of months or years. It is typically characterized by the slow or gradual reduction in the oxygen supply of cells, tissues and organ systems, often caused by heart and lung problems. Oxygen is very important for the proper functioning of cells. The decrease or absence of oxygen supply to the cells usually results in the decline of cellular functions and general decline in health.
There are several medical conditions that lead to the development of chronic hypoxia. These include respiratory disorders, congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary edema and chronic blood loss. CHF is a condition in which the heart weakens and is unable to pump blood around the body. Pulmonary edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in the air sacs of the lungs, making breathing difficult. Chronic blood loss is often due to undiagnosed bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
People who are chronic smokers are highly at risk of developing this condition. Heavy smoking often leads to the development of a respiratory disease known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In COPD, the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs, are gradually destroyed. The inflammatory changes in lung tissue caused by COPD usually occur gradually, making it increasingly difficult for patients to breathe over time.
Symptoms of chronic hypoxia often include body weakness, slowed thought processes, and poor reflexes. Affected patients usually cannot complete many activities that involve physical effort as they tire easily. They may also experience recurring muscle cramps, cyanosis or bluish discoloration of the skin, difficulty breathing, and a widening nose. Chronic hypoxia generally interferes with the normal lifestyle of many patients.
Pulmonologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating patients with lung problems. They often diagnose patients based on the detailed medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests performed on these patients. Diagnostic tests often performed on patients with chronic hypoxia include chest X-rays to evaluate the appearance of the lungs, incentive coil spirometry to evaluate respiratory function, and arterial blood gas tests to detect abnormalities in blood oxygen level. Patients with chronic hypoxia are often given supplemental oxygen. Failure to treat these patients usually results in complications that can further worsen their condition.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
