Hypoxemia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia occurs when there is a low level of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen is needed to keep your organs and tissues alive. Long-term hypoxemia can become life threatening if it is not treated.

What are common causes of hypoxemia?

• Anemia
• Respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary embolism
• Respiratory diseases such as COPD, ARDS, and interstitial lung diseases
• High altitudes, especially during exercise
• Sleep apnea or blocked airways
• Medicines such as anesthetics or narcotics
• Heart disease present at birth

What are the symptoms of hypoxemia?

• Feeling of not being able to catch your breath
• Frequent headaches
• Severe sleepiness
• Severe mood changes or irritability

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

How is hypoxemia diagnosed?

Hypoxemia is diagnosed by measuring the amount of oxygen in your blood. This is done by pulse oximetry or by an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. Pulse oximetry is done using a small instrument placed on your finger. The pulse oximeter gives a digital reading of the amount of oxygen in your blood. During an ABG, your healthcare provider will remove a small amount of blood from an artery on the underside of your wrist. The blood will be tested for the amount of oxygen it contains.

How is hypoxemia treated?

Treatment will depend on how severe your hypoxemia is.

• Oxygen therapy may be needed for activity, such as exercise. You may need oxygen only when you sleep. Your healthcare provider may have you use oxygen all the time if you have severe hypoxemia.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) may be ordered if the cause of your hypoxemia is related to certain conditions, such as COPD. PR consists of exercise training and nutrition and disease education. You will learn ways to conserve (save) your energy and develop a breathing action plan. PR also offers counseling and support groups.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• Your symptoms do not change or become worse with treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have fainting spells with activity.
• You have chest pain.

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