Hypoxia

Question 1

What is hypoxia?

Answer 1

Lack of oxygen:

• Low or inadequate oxygen delivery to the tissue cells
• An abnormally reduced O2 supply to tissue
• A pathological condition
• There is generalized hypoxia & regional hypoxia
• Deprived of adequate oxygen supply

Question 2

What are the causes of hypoxia?

Answer 2

1. Inadequate oxygenation
2. Pulmonary disease
3. Venous-to-arterial shunts (right-left cardiac shunts)
4. Inadequate oxygen transportation to tissues
5. Inadequate tissue capability of using oxygen

Question 3

What are the effects of hypoxia in the body?

Answer 3

If severe:
Can cause death of cells throughout the body
In less severe degrees:
Depressed mental activity, sometimes results in coma
Reduces work capacity of muscles

Question 4

What are the early signs of hypoxia?

Answer 4

Nervousness
Irritability
Apprehension
Tachycardia
Cyanosis (late)