Signs & Symptoms of Anemic Hypoxia

Anemic hypoxia is a condition in which the arterial blood pressure is normal, but there is a less than normal amount of total oxygen in the blood. There are several potential causes for anemic hypoxia, including cardiac arrest, carbon monoxide poisoning, choking and suffocation. Seek medical care immediately should you exhibit the signs and symptoms of anemic hypoxia.

Headaches

• Headaches associated with anemic hypoxia are often severe and come on suddenly. They do not usually respond to over-the-counter pain medication, such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Usually, the whole head hurts and feels as if it is pounding.

Cyanosis

• Cyanosis, the blue discoloration of the skin, is often present in the lips and nail beds of someone with anemic hypoxia. Cyanosis occurs even though the skin may feel warm to the touch. This is because the blood is flowing normally, thereby keeping the area warm, but does not carry adequate oxygen.

Nausea

• Severe nausea often occurs suddenly in people with anemic hypoxia. Vomiting can often result.

Shortness of Breath

• Shortness of breath often occurs in cases of anemic hypoxia due to the lack of circulating oxygen in the body. The severity of the shortness of breath increases as the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases.

Fatigue

• Severe fatigue is often associated with anemic hypoxia. Without oxygen the muscles cannot adequately generate the necessary energy to function properly, therefore resulting in extreme fatigue.