the element Oxygen
Low_Oxygen
Any living thing on this planet requires the element Oxygen (O2) in particular levels. Humans and animals however, need it more than the plants since our body metabolism only functions with these 2 molecules of oxygen. When the levels of oxygen are normal, there are no problems, but when they start increasing or decreasing, a number of health issues may develop and sometimes even prove fatal for the individual.
Oxygen is the only source of life for living things, and only pure oxygen can fulfill the basic necessity for a healthy life. Infiltration in this pure form of oxygen leads to many injurious situations which can cause organ problems and metabolic abnormalities which can lead to further complicated problems. It is necessary for all living things to breath fresh air and not polluted or infiltrated air, for survival. The normal levels of oxygen in an individual's body should be, 95 to 100%. When the body's oxygen levels are within this range, its cells are healthy enough to carry out the main functions properly. If there are high or low oxygen levels that are recorded, the best thing to do is visit the physician as soon as possible. In the following data, we will concentrate on the low oxygen levels in the body, along with it's causes and side effects.
Low Oxygen Levels
The level of oxygen in the human body can be measured in many ways, but the simplest is a blood test. It is commonly known as the arterial blood gases test (ABG). Other methods include testing the oxygen levels through a pulse oximeter, wherein the levels are measured with a light sensor. This way you can detect if there are low oxygen levels and if further diagnosis should be carried out. Take a look at what symptoms are shown when there are low oxygen levels and the reasons that result in this decrease. More on uses of oxygen.
Low Oxygen Level Causes
This disorder of low oxygen levels in the body is medically known as hypoxemia, where you show a number of symptoms of weakness. Some causes for such low oxygen levels in the body are listed below for you to go through.
- One very common reason for this abnormality can be hypoventilation, where the levels of carbon dioxide in your body rises decreasing the oxygen levels. This usually happens when your body metabolism produces extra carbon dioxide at a fast pace due to some mess up in the breathing process.
- The intake of oxygen is lesser than the out throw of carbon dioxide due to which the levels of carbon dioxide increase thus, decreasing the levels of oxygen. This can be a result of slow breathing, malfunctioning of the lungs or a deformity in the chest walls that affects the volume of air. Other causes for hypoventilation can be neurological disorders like anxiety.
- When there is no uniformity in the alveolar ventilation in the lungs, there is lack of harmony in the normal gas exchange. This further leads to the disruption in the entire respiratory pattern and leads to non-functional lungs and low oxygen levels in return.
- Another cause can be the capacity of diffusion in the alveoli of the lungs. This is the measure of how smoothly the air or oxygen passes through the alveoli and capillaries. If this diffusion is lesser, it leads to low oxygen levels and respiratory problems. This diffusion may be affected by high or low altitudes where there is a low oxygen level in the air itself which results in lack of oxygen to the brain.
Symptoms of Low Oxygen Levels
If you have low oxygen levels in your blood and body, you are sure to show the following symptoms. Take a look and find out if you ever have felt these.
- Fatigue
- Poor digestion
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Acidic stomach
- Lung problems
- Unhealthy bacteria, germs and viruses
- Overall body weakness
- Muscle aches and pains
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These symptoms are also shown by many other illnesses but medical professionals suggest that every illness you have is almost increased and worsened by low levels of oxygen in the body. The only ways you can improve the level is to breath openly through the nose and not through the mouth. Do not breath slowly, quit smoking, eat healthy by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables. Walk early in the mornings and drink a lot of water. More on oxygen therapy.
If you have a healthy diet and a good lifestyle, low oxygen levels won't ever bother you and if they do, I am sure you know what should be done.
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