Common signs of hypoxia include extreme shortness of breath, confusion, and uncoordinated movements. In hypoxia, a patient does not have enough oxygen circulating in the blood. This leads to oxygen deprivation in the brain as well as organ damage. If the patient does not receive treatment, cerebral hypoxia can set in and the patient may experience permanent brain damage or death.
Shortness of breath is the classic indicator of hypoxia. The patient's breathing may be labored and he could gasp for air but still complain of not getting enough. Patients may also wheeze when they breathe because of disease or obstruction in the airways. As the oxygen deprivation sets in, the extremities can turn blue and the patient will develop neurological symptoms like an unsteady gait, altered level of consciousness, and confusion. If the patient falls asleep, he may be difficult to rouse.
Patients are at risk of hypoxia at high altitudes and if they have underlying diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or asthma. Hypoxia can also occur if there are toxins in the air, or when smoke or heavy gases displace breathable air. Likewise, strangulated patients will typically display signs of hypoxia. Patients may experience headaches and fluid retention in addition to other symptoms of hypoxia. Nausea and a general feeling of fatigue and malaise may also set in.
If the signs of hypoxia appear in a patient, it is critical to get help. Partial oxygen deprivation can have serious long term consequences. Treatment usually involves supplying the patient with oxygen to get the blood oxygen levels up. As the patient stabilizes, the doctor can perform some diagnostic tests to find out why the patient has a problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Patients may need permanent oxygen supplementation, medications, surgery, and other options to recover.
First aid for a person who appears to have the signs of hypoxia can include moving the person out of an area where the air quality is dubious, as well as loosening clothes to make sure the airway is not obstructed with something like a tight collar. If the patient carries medications for asthma or other lung conditions, these should be administered. In the event the patient stops breathing, rescue breathing to force some oxygen into the lungs while waiting for emergency personnel is advised. This can reduce the risk of brain damage caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen.