Hypoxia and Medicine

what is hypoxia?

pls tell in detail or give me the source cos i have that as a part of my assignment.

Public Comments

1. You don't need a source, you can figure it out with a little knowledge about scientific wording. The prefix "hypo" always means low, or below. The prefix "hyper" means the opposite, or above. Oxia comes from the word oxygen, so hypo-oxia means an environment with low oxygen levels. Algae or bacteria blooms often cause hypoxic conditions by using up all the oxygen in a water system, that then kills off all the fish and other organisms that need oxygen to survive. But if you need a definition, check out the link
2. Hypoxia is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole (generalised hypoxia) or region of the body (tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. Hypoxia in which there is complete deprivation of oxygen supply is referred to as anoxia. Hypoxia is distinguished from apoxemia. apoxemia is an abnormally low partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in arterial blood (West J. "Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials" 1977 Williams & Wilkins p22). A frequent error is to use the term hypoxemia to mean low oxygen content in arterial blood. It is possible to have a low oxygen content (eg due to anemia) but a high PO2 so incorrect use can lead to confusion. Generalised hypoxia occurs in healthy people when they ascend to high altitude, where it causes altitude sickness, and the potentially fatal complications of altitude sickness, high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE). Hypoxia also occurs in healthy individuals when breathing mixtures of gases with a low oxygen content, for example while diving underwater, especially with closed-circuit rebreather systems that control the amount of oxygen in the air breathed in. Altitude training uses mild hypoxia to increase the concentration of red blood cells in the body for increased athletic performance.I hope I answered your queston.Good Luck!!
3. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=hypoxia&x=0&y=0
4. Hypoxia Hypoxia is a state of oxygen deficiency in the body which is sufficient to cause an impairment of function. Hypoxia is caused by the reduction in partial pressure of oxygen, inadequate oxygen transport, or the inability of the tissues to use oxygen. In brief, being drunk is kind of the same as being exposed to high altitude. In both cases, oxygen to your brain and muscles is reduced. Hypoxic Hypoxia is a reduction in the amount of oxygen passing into the blood. It is caused by a reduction in oxygen pressure in the lungs, by a reduced gas exchange area, exposure to high altitude, or by lung disease. [This is the hypoxia that is a hazard to aviators.] Hypemic Hypoxia is defined as a reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. It is caused by a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood or a reduced number of red blood cells. A reduction in the oxygen transport capacity of the blood occurs through blood donation, hemorrhage, or anemia. A reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood occurs through drugs, chemicals, or carbon monoxide. [This hypoxia usually experienced by smokers.] Stagnant Hypoxia is an oxygen deficiency due to poor circulation of the blood or poor blood flow. Examples of this condition are high "G" forces, prolonged sitting in one position or hanging in a harness, cold temperatures, and positive pressure breathing. [This hypoxia usually experienced when sitting for hours in a boring class.] Histotoxic Hypoxia is defined as the inability of the tissues to use oxygen. Examples are carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning. Certain narcotics, chewing tobacco, and alcohol will prevent oxygen use by the tissues. [This hypoxia usually experienced after drinking too much.]..