Signs of Low Blood Oxygen
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Shortness of Breath
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Severe, sudden shortness of breath that hinders normal functioning is a sign of hypoxemia. Seek emergency help.
High-Altitude Sickness
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High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), commonly known as high-altitude sickness, results in shortness of breath accompanied by headache, coughing and an inability to sweat.
Cyanosis
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Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the mucus membranes and the skin--usually under the fingernails and in the lips--that can occur when oxygen flow to the blood is severely restricted.
Medical Test
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In a medical environment, blood can be tested for its level of oxygen. Hypoxemia can also be detected with a pulse oximeter, which is clipped onto a finger.
Hypoxia
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Hypoxemia should not be confused with hypoxia, a condition of low oxygen in organs or tissues that can be caused by hypoxemia.
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