Breathing is an involuntary action that our bodies perform, whether we are conscious of it or not. This means we must consciously prevent ourselves from breathing, rather than the other way around. Our bodies require oxygen to survive, not just for respiration, but also to circulate oxygen through our bloodstream, nourishing our vital organs, cells, and tissues.
Insufficient oxygen in our blood is known as hypoxemia.
"Hypoxemia can be acute, arising suddenly in an emergency, or chronic, developing over time due to a long-term health condition like COPD," notes Deborah Leader RN, BSN, PHN.
Even if a low oxygen level in the blood isn't causing severe issues, there are indicators that your blood isn't receiving the oxygen it needs.
HERE ARE FIVE SIGNS YOUR BLOOD IS LACKING SUFFICIENT OXYGEN:
1. FATIGUE
Persistent fatigue is a significant indication that your body's blood is not receiving enough oxygen. There are various types of tiredness, but the fatigue associated with hypoxemia is relentless and persistent.
As stated in a Healthline article, medically reviewed by Dr. Graham Rogers, "Without proper gas exchange, your body cannot get the oxygen it requires. You will eventually develop low blood oxygen levels, known as hypoxemia. When your body is low on oxygen, you feel fatigued. Fatigue sets in more rapidly when your lungs cannot effectively inhale and exhale air."
Many report feeling worn out halfway through the day, and no amount of sleep seems to alleviate this exhaustion. Tiring more easily than others, or more quickly than you used to, can also indicate that your blood is not adequately oxygenated.
2. WEAKNESS OR DIZZINESS
A common indicator of low blood oxygen levels is becoming weak or dizzy more quickly than usual. Many have felt dizzy or had their vision darken momentarily after standing up too fast. However, those with insufficient blood oxygen may experience this daily, regardless of the activity's intensity.
Dr. D. Love, a family physician, explains, "Muscles can burn fuel without oxygen temporarily, but not indefinitely. Persistent low oxygen levels lead to muscle weakness. Typically, muscle weakness wouldn't be the only symptom; shortness of breath would also be expected."
Weakness or dizziness can signal that your blood isn't delivering enough oxygen throughout your body.
3. POUNDING OR RACING HEART
A racing or pounding heart often accompanies anxiety. It indicates your heart is striving to distribute oxygen throughout your body due to a deficiency. A racing heart, absent other anxiety symptoms, could signify low blood oxygen levels.
4. SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Naturally, a lack of oxygen will cause breathing difficulties. Struggling to breathe means struggling to oxygenate your blood, leading to shortness of breath during any activity level.
5. HEADACHE AND CONFUSION
Have you ever experienced a severe headache after holding your breath? It's a common occurrence, and the intensity of headaches can vary. Headaches alone are not typically a cause for concern regarding oxygen deprivation in the blood. However, when accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and lack of coordination, they may indicate insufficient oxygen circulation in the body.
"Efficient brain function and our sense of well-being depend on a certain level of blood flow and oxygen. If this system is impaired, the brain can compensate by creating the necessary pressure," explains Dr. Patrick M. Nemechek.
A deficit of oxygen in the blood can impair concentration and bodily coordination, resulting in headaches and confusion.
"Organs fail to operate correctly without adequate oxygen in the lungs, leading to toxin buildup in the blood and subsequent vascular headaches. This is due to low oxygen levels causing blood vessels to dilate, which can trigger migraines," states Dr. Mark Wiley.
Blood oxygen deficiency is concerning as it often indicates or results from other medical conditions. Seeking medical advice is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Hypoxemia:
Diagnostic Tests
Consulting a physician and undergoing diagnostic tests to measure blood oxygen levels is the initial step in addressing hypoxemia. The physician will conduct a series of tests to assess blood oxygen levels and investigate common causes of hypoxemia. Subsequent treatment will target these underlying issues. For instance, if the heart requires assistance in pumping effectively, medication may be prescribed to enhance circulation and oxygen distribution.
Nasal Cannula
Mild hypoxemia can be managed with a portable oxygen mask or a nasal cannula, a slender tube with two prongs that rest just inside the nostrils, delivering oxygen directly to your body and enhancing blood oxygen circulation. This method is a temporary solution to elevate oxygen levels.
Regular oxygen therapy
In cases of critically low blood oxygen levels, doctors may prescribe ongoing, long-term oxygen therapy. The frequency of oxygen use—whether daily, nightly, or intermittently during the day—depends on the severity of the blood oxygen deficiency.
Concluding advice
Should you experience symptoms indicative of low blood oxygen levels, promptly scheduling a consultation with your physician for appropriate testing is advisable. Addressing and managing low oxygen levels swiftly is crucial due to the potential for additional health complications.
Source: www.powerofpositivity.com
