Hypoxihypoxi

Hypoxihypoxi is a term occasionally used to describe a state in which low arterial oxygen levels (hypoxemia) are accompanied by impaired oxygen delivery to tissues (tissue hypoxia). It is not a formal, widely adopted medical term but is used in some discussions to emphasize the combined effects of oxygen deficit at the lungs and at the cellular level.

Causes and mechanisms include conditions that reduce oxygen intake or transfer from the lungs to the blood, such as high altitude, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary edema, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. It can also arise from factors that decrease oxygen carrying capacity or blood flow, including severe anemia, shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, and methemoglobinemia. The resulting pathophysiology often involves ventilation–perfusion mismatch, diffusion limitation, intrapulmonary shunt, and reduced oxygen content, all contributing to tissue hypoxia even when some oxygen reaches the blood.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory data. Hypoxemia is detected by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and arterial blood gas analysis (PaO2). Tissue hypoxia may be suggested by elevated lactate and signs of organ dysfunction. Additional investigations may include chest imaging, measurements of oxygen content (CaO2) and delivery (DO2), and assessment of perfusion.

Management focuses on correcting the underlying cause and supporting oxygen delivery. This typically involves supplemental oxygen, ventilatory support in respiratory failure, treatment of anemia or shock as indicated, and specific therapies for toxins such as carbon monoxide or methemoglobin. Prognosis depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the hypoxic state.