subject: Hypoxemia At A Glance [print this page] The condition of hypoxemia refers to the low partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood. Hypoxemia is often confused with either anoxia, asphyxia, hypoxia or anemia. Although, the preceding items are in some way related to reduction in the levels of oxygen in the body, these are distinct medical conditions.
Hypoxemia is a low level of oxygen in the blood, which can distress the functions of our body and damage our vital tissues. The main consequences of hypoxemia already tell us that lack of oxygen supply is life-threatening. Low blood oxygen drops below a normal level, which could be anywhere between 95 and 100 percent saturation.
Depending on the development of the condition, people suffering from hypoxemia primarily experience shortness of breath, reduced capacity to perform strenuous activities, fatigue and confusion might also be noticed along with disorientation, lassitude, listlessness, headaches and restlessness.
When sever hypoxemia occurs, a person might experience a blue discoloration of the skin, which is called cyanosis. Hemoglobin becomes darker red when deprived with oxygen, and reflects blue light back to the eye. Level of consciousness, seizures, coma, priapism (where a swollen clitoris or penis does not return to its flaccid state), and even death can occur.
And to brief you more on the other effects of hypoxemia, patients who suffer from this illness experience priapism, wherein the swollen genitals cannot return on its normal state, acute respiratory diseases or lung problems, muscle pains and sudden weakness, hyper ventilation, etc.
Treatment of hypoxemia may vary depending on the severity of the condition and can range from a simple body repositioning to employing machines to supply oxygen to the patients body. Though varying in methods, all of the treatments follow the same philosophy of making sure the body, specifically the blood, is supplied with enough oxygen to restore system-functions.
Oximeters can be helpful for personal use too, especially if an individual wants to keep track of the oxygen in their blood. Purchasing an oximeter and storing it for emergency use is not a bad idea, especially if there are elderly or sickly family members who need some extra care.
A very convenient and easy to use device, oximeter offers the simplest and fastest reading of oxygen saturation in our blood. Keep in mind that when purchasing oximeters, you get it from the trusted brand. One of the leading health equipment and device providers, Concord Health Supply is a well-proven and tested medical supplier that offers the most state-of-the-art products and services. They are proud to introduce their leading product, Oximeters, which prescribed by most physicians and experts in the health industry.
