Question

Have you heard about hypoxia? Try to gather information about it, and discuss with your friends.

Answer 1

Hypoxia is a condition characterised by an inadequate or decreased supply of oxygen to the lungs. It is caused by several extrinsic factors, such as reduction in pO₂, inadequate oxygen, etc. The different types of hypoxia are discussed below.

This condition is related to a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the body's diet/tissues. This causes less supply of oxygen. The pressure of O₂ in the atmosphere decreases by an amount above 8000 feet. Due to this, symptoms like headaches, vomiting, dizziness, mental fatigue, difficulty breathing, etc. are seen. This is called artificial hypoxia. This disease is caused by mountaineers. Due to a lack of haemoglobin in the body, the ability of the blood to absorb oxygen is affected. This inclusion is called Hoxia.

1. Hypoxemic hypoxia: In this condition, there is a reduction in the oxygen content of blood as a result of the low partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood.
2. Anaemic hypoxia: In this condition, there is a reduction in the concentration of haemoglobin.
3. Stagnant or ischemic hypoxia: In this condition, there is a deficiency in the oxygen content of blood because of poor blood circulation. It occurs when a person is exposed to cold temperature for a prolonged period of time.
4. Histotoxic hypoxia: In this condition, tissues are unable to use oxygen. This occurs during carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning.