What causes low blood oxygen?

Are you feeling constantly fatigued or experiencing shortness of breath? It could be a sign that your blood isn’t getting enough oxygen. Don’t worry, though – there are many possible causes of low blood oxygen levels and most are treatable.

First Things First: Understanding Blood Oxygenation

Before delving into the possible causes of low blood oxygen levels, it’s important to briefly understand how our bodies extract and transport this life-sustaining gas.

The air we breathe contains roughly 21% oxygen, which travels down through our nose or mouth into the lungs where it is absorbed by tiny sacs called alveoli via thin-walled capillaries. From there, red blood cells pick up the bound O2 for delivery around the body whilst returning CO2 waste produced from metabolic activity back to the lungs to be expelled as we exhale – this is termed respiration.

All in all a complex yet fascinating process that ensures every cell has got just what they need!

[bound refers to when O2 binds with haemoglobin molecules on red blood cells]

Possible Causes of Low Blood Oxygen Levels

  1. Hypoventilation – if we won’t breathe deeply enough then sufficient amounts of gases e.g.: O2 can not reach each individual little lung sac; also increases amount of CO2 retained overall.
    • Related conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma or sleep apnea.

Now hold up just one minute Bubba … what exactly did I mean by Hypo—what? In simple terms hypoventilation means shallow breathing making it difficult for your lungs do its job well! Some common conditions trigger scenarios whereby someone may struggle with taking in a nice deep breath- bad inflamed sinuses (hello hay-fever sufferers!), excess mucous production because come on now who doesn’t like a satisfying cough? Am I right hypochondriacs?

Furthermore, as we age (sorry wrinklies!) and sedentary lifestyles become the norm too many of us miss out on activities that really stretch our lungs to capacity. A change to nutritional habits can also be good news for your lungs – particularly boost-type nutrients!

  1. Anaemia – insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin molecules carrying less oxygen than they should
    • Possible cause could include iron deficiency which prevents haemoglobulin formation
      Iron deficiency is widely known as one of the most common nutrient deficiencies and rightfully so! Guess what kiddums- low iron levels knocks down with it haemoglobin production! Now if this wasn’t blocked enough it gets worse when some form of intestinal disease comes into play.

Fun fact time: Did you know in ancient times nobility used to partake in ingesting slivers of copper added to their diets supposedley increasing absorption rates … gross

  1. Heart Disorders such as congenital heart defects, congenital valve abnormalities (“hole-in-the-heart” cases)
    • Cardiomyopathy, heart failure & certain arrhythmias may compromise circulation levels leading to lower O2 saturations.

Heart disorders typically arise without much warning meaning symptoms don’t come too late until damage has already been done but there are services available that enhance early detection & diagnosis chances particularly by knowing family health history or regular check-ups.

Now just before we slam straight into number 4 let’s take a deep breath; no literally hold that deeeeep inhale because now lets discuss ways medications may lead negatively impact our Oxygen levls without you even realising.

Medication Contributing Factors

  1. Respiratory depression) / suppression impacting effective breathing patterns safe gas exchange made impossible promoting Hypoxia;

    • Associated drugs linked often: opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, propofol.
  2. Interference with Heart Regulation eg.:

    • Calcium Channel Blockers
    • Beta-blockers
  3. Vasodilatation agents may cause low BP and/or possible reduction of systemic vascular resistance:

    • Nitroglycerine/Nitrates

Do I have a potantially fatal respiratory depressing medication? Get Nalaxone!

How Low is too Low?

If your Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) level falls below 90%, you should immediately visit the doctor or get medical attention at the ER as it can signify critical health condition risks such as Cardiovascular arrest versus Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome to name a few – common conversation topics but not so common in great company.

Oh yeah, SpO2 measures blood oxygen levels indirectly via absorbing light waves across various wavelengths through skin using pulse oximeter equipment set up straight away to give accurate results (sorry Grandma these wooden spoons ain’t cutting it no more!)

By golly isn’t it thrilling how modern day inventions cater to direct improvement of our quality of breath & life!?

Low oxygen saturation levels occur for a range of reasons discussed here nevertheless always take care every chance we require the right amount o2 circulating efficiently don’t be shy about reaching out for repsiratory assistance when unsure.

Now breathe easy … Thanks Markdown!

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