Hypoxemia: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Oxygen

Low blood oxygen, or hypoxemia, occurs when cells are unable to obtain sufficient oxygen. It can happen during intensive exercise, climbing at high altitudes or deep sea diving. It is triggered whenever the normal flow of oxygen from your lungs to your blood is blocked. A number of hereditary and acquired conditions contribute to low blood oxygen.

Shortness of Breath

• Severe, sudden shortness of breath that hinders normal functioning is a sign of hypoxemia. Seek emergency help.

High-Altitude Sickness

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Hypoxemia should not be confused with hypoxia, a condition of low oxygen in organs or tissues that can be caused by hypoxemia.