Causes for low arterial oxygen
Explanation:
Low arterial oxygen leads to a condition called hypoxemia.
Oxygen diffuses into the pulmonary capillaries and binds to the hemoglobin present in the blood by the process called oxygenation. When there is insufficient oxygenation, hypoxemia results.
Hypoxemia often results in hypoxia where a particular organ like brain receives reduced amount of oxygen. Oxygen levels in the arteries can be lowered due to:
- Ventilation/perfusion mismatch
- Shunt
- Diffusion impairment
- Hypoventilation
- Decreased levels of environmental oxygen
The conditions which may lead to hypoxemia are:
Various respiratory illnesses like acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, collapsed lung, interstitial lung disease, etc; congenital and other heart defects; anemia; high altitude; and sleep apnea.
