Types of hypoxia

Introduction

Hypoxia is the condition whereby there is deficiency in the amount of oxygen that reaches the tissues. It may affect the whole body or certain organs. Complete absence of oxygen is referred to as anoxia. Hypoxia can be classified into two classes: acute and chronic. Acute hypoxia is rapid while chronic hypoxia is a condition that has been ongoing for some time.

Types of hypoxia

Hypoxic hypoxia

In this type of hypoxia, there is low amount of oxygen in the body. This is caused by the low amount of oxygen that is breathed in and other causes. It is characterized by low partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.

Metabolic hypoxia

This is a condition that is caused by the vigorous exercise. It causes a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the tissues. In this condition, there may be normal oxygen diffusion, distribution and utilization. The high metabolic rate makes the amount of oxygen available in the cells inadequate.

Ischemic hypoxia

This is a condition whereby there is restriction of blood flow to some organs. There is adequate concentration of oxygen in the blood but due to the restriction of the flow, some organs or tissues have deficiency. Examples include hypoxia in the small intestines and cerebral ischemia.

Histotoxic hypoxia

This is a condition whereby oxygen is available to the tissues but they cannot utilize it. This may be due to poisonous substances in the red blood cells or actions of enzymes. This poisoning can be caused by high intake of alcohol (News Medical 2013).

Anemic hypoxia

This is the kind of hypoxia that is brought about by reduced number of hemoglobin. This incapacitates the red blood cells from effectively transporting oxygen. There is decreased amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues.

Conclusion

Hypoxia is a dangerous condition and is characterized by impaired judgment, headache, dizziness, fainting or rapid heart beating rate. Anoxia is more fatal and cerebral anoxia can lead to brain damage or memory loss. Hypoxia can be brought about by many causes whereby some are reversible.

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Endridge L 2012 Lung cancer hypoxia ; causes sypmtoms and treatment available at http://lungcancer.about.com/od/Respiratory-Symptoms/a/Hypoxia.htm (accessed on 04/04/2013).

BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 News Medical 2013 hypoxia types available at http://www.news-medical.net/health/Hypoxia-Types.aspx accesed on 04/04/2013.