Oxygen enters the body through the nose during inhalation. From there it travels to lungs and into the lung capillaries where it gets picked up by red blood cells and enters into the bloodstream. Anything that disrupts any part of this sequence can cause a low blood oxygen level, or hypoxemia. In order to function normally, all tissues in the body need an adequate supply of blood. Low blood oxygen disrupts normal functioning and can cause permanent damage to the body.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a condition that usually develops as a result of other serious illnesses or diseases and because of this, it often affects people who are already hospitalized, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. In those experiencing acute respiratory distress, the capillaries in the lungs leak excess fluid into the lungs, which prevents them from properly filling up with air. Without an adequate amount of air in the lungs, the blood does not have access to enough oxygen, which can cause serious damage to the tissues and organs. Initial symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome may include a feeling of not getting enough air, rapid breathing, cough, fever and shortness of breath. As the lack of oxygen is prolonged, more severe symptoms, such as low blood pressure, confusion and fatigue, can develop. Treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome is given in the hospital and includes oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and medication, explains NHLBI.
Anemia
Oxygen is carried through the body on hemoglobin, which is the protein component of red blood cells. Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells or an inadequate amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, proper amounts of oxygen cannot be carried to the tissues. This leads to low blood oxygen levels as well as a number of physical symptoms, which include fatigue, lack of energy, headache, dizziness, numbness or cold feeling in the hands and feet, shortness of breath, irregular heart beat and chest pain, according to Lab Tests Online. There are many types of anemia and the cause depends on the specific type. Treatment for anemia also depends on the specific type but generally consists of providing the inadequate vitamins and minerals that are causing the anemia.
Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease
The lungs contain air sacs called aveoli that expand with each breath to allow absorption of oxygen. There is tissue around the air sacs called interstitium. In those with diffuse interstitial lung disease, the interstitium becomes inflamed and stiff and does not allow the aveoli to fully expand. If the aveloi cannot expand properly, an adequate amount of air cannot get into the lungs, which results in a low blood oxygen level, according to Medline Plus. There are several types of interstitial lung disease and the cause varies depending on the type. Symptoms of interstitial lung disease include shortness of breath, dry cough, weight loss, joint pain and fatigue. As the condition becomes more severe, the fingernails may become enlarged and a blue color develops on the skin, lips and fingernails, notes MedlinePlus. Treatment for diffuse interstitial lung disease depends on the cause of the disease but generally consists of anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant drugs.
