Zuurstofarmoede

Zuurstofarmoede, also known as hypoxia or anoxia, refers to a condition where the body or a specific tissue is deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen. This deficiency can arise from various causes, affecting both humans and other organisms. In humans, common causes include respiratory problems like pneumonia or asthma, cardiovascular issues such as heart failure, and high altitude where atmospheric oxygen levels are lower. Anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or a lower concentration of hemoglobin, can also lead to insufficient oxygen transport to tissues. Exposure to carbon monoxide is another critical factor, as it binds more readily to hemoglobin than oxygen, thus hindering oxygen delivery.

The effects of zuurstofarmoede vary depending on its severity and duration. Mild symptoms can include shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, and a bluish tint to the skin (cyanosis). More severe or prolonged hypoxia can lead to organ damage, loss of consciousness, and in extreme cases, death. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation, and even a few minutes without sufficient oxygen can cause irreversible damage.

In aquatic environments, zuurstofarmoede, often termed hypoxia, is a significant ecological concern. It occurs when dissolved oxygen levels in the water drop below a certain threshold, making it difficult or impossible for aquatic life to survive. This can be caused by factors such as eutrophication, where excessive nutrients lead to algal blooms that consume large amounts of oxygen when they decompose, or by warming water temperatures, which hold less dissolved oxygen. Fish kills and disruptions to marine ecosystems are common consequences of aquatic hypoxia.