Medical term for oxygen deficient blood gases?
Hypoxemia is the medical term used to describe oxygen deficient blood gases. It occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in the arterial blood is below normal. Normal PaO2 levels are between 80 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Hypoxemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Lung diseases: Such as pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart disease: Congenital heart defects and heart failure
- Anemia: A condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen from being delivered to the tissues
- High altitude: At high altitudes, the air is thinner and there is less oxygen available
Hypoxemia can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Hypoxemia can be a serious condition and can lead to death if it is not treated. Treatment for hypoxemia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary.