Hapenpuute

Hapenpuute is the Finnish term for hypoxia, a condition in which body tissues do not receive enough oxygen. It can result from a variety of problems that reduce the amount of oxygen reaching tissues, from environmental factors to failures in oxygen transport or cellular use.

Hapenpuute can be classified by its cause into several types. Hypoxic hypoxia occurs when arterial oxygen content is low, as in high altitude or lung disease. Anemic hypoxia results from insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells to carry oxygen. Circulatory or stagnant hypoxia is caused by inadequate blood flow, while histotoxic hypoxia arises when cells cannot use oxygen effectively due to toxins. In practice, a patient may present features of more than one type.

Common causes include respiratory diseases (such as pneumonia, COPD, pulmonary edema), airway obstruction, heart failure, shock, anemia, carbon monoxide or methemoglobin exposure, drowning, choking, and exposure to high altitude or smoke inhalation.

Symptoms vary with severity but often include shortness of breath, rapid or shallow breathing, confusion or agitation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and sometimes a bluish discoloration of the lips or skin (cyanosis). In severe cases, loss of consciousness and organ dysfunction can occur.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment supported by measurements such as pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis to determine oxygen levels, along with tests for anemia, lung function, and imaging as needed.

Treatment focuses on restoring oxygen delivery and treating the underlying cause. This may involve supplemental oxygen, ventilation support, treatment of cardiac or respiratory conditions, antidotes for toxin exposure (for example, 100% oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen for carbon monoxide poisoning), and transfusion or other specific therapies as indicated. Prompt management improves outcomes.