What causes low oxygen in red blood cells

Blood oxygen level is the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Red blood cells carry most of the oxygen, collecting it from the lungs and delivering it to all parts of the body.

The body closely monitors blood oxygen levels to keep them within a specific range so that there is enough oxygen for the needs of every cell.

A person’s blood oxygen level indicates how well the body distributes oxygen from the lungs to the cells, and it can be important for people’s health.

A healthy blood oxygen level varies between 75 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

When arterial blood gas (ABG) test results reveal an oxygen level below 60 mm Hg, the medical community considers it low. In some cases, people with these results may require oxygen supplementation.

A blood oxygen level that is too low compared with the average level of a healthy person can be a sign of a condition known as hypoxemia. This develops when the body has difficulty delivering oxygen to all of its cells, tissues, and organs.

Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of oxygen in a person’s blood. Medical professionals often use a device called a pulse oximeter for either a quick test or continuous monitoring. The device can attach to the person’s fingertip.

A healthy oxygen saturation level ranges between 95% and 100%. If a person’s levels drop below this range, they may experience symptoms associated with a lack of oxygen, such as trouble breathing and confusion.

An ABG test is a common way to monitor blood oxygen levels. This test involves taking a blood sample from an artery, usually in the wrist. This procedure is very accurate, but it can be a little painful.

Doctors carry out ABG tests in a hospital. However, people can test themselves at home using a small device known as a pulse oximeter. A person cannot perform an ABG test at home.

A pulse oximeter is a small clip that often attaches to a finger, although it will also work on an ear or a toe. It measures blood oxygen indirectly by light absorption through a person’s pulse.

Although the pulse oximeter test is easier, quicker, and less painful than the ABG test, it is not as accurate. Several factors can interfere with the results, including:

  • dirty fingers
  • bright lights
  • darker skin tones
  • nail polish
  • poor circulation to the extremities

Learn how to choose the best pulse oximeter to purchase.

People should contact a doctor if they:

  • experience severe and sudden shortness of breath
  • experience shortness of breath when at rest
  • have severe shortness of breath that worsens during exercise or physical activity
  • wake suddenly with shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
  • are at high altitude and experience severe shortness of breath with a cough, rapid heartbeat, and fluid retention

The treatment options for low blood oxygen levels include supplemental oxygen. Doctors can administer oxygen therapy in an office, or they can prescribe or recommend the use of home oxygen therapy (HOT).

A range of devices is available for delivering and monitoring HOT, but some require a prescription.

People can make lifestyle adjustments to reduce the symptoms of low oxygen levels, as well as improve their general health and quality of life. Changes that will likely be beneficial include:

  • quitting smoking
  • avoiding secondhand smoke
  • eating a nutritious diet containing plenty of fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and vegetables
  • exercising regularly

Learn more about following a well-balanced diet.

Many conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels. Treating the underlying condition responsible will generally improve blood oxygen levels.

People living with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, and those who catch COVID-19 may need regular blood oxygen monitoring.

People with low blood oxygen can also make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting their dietary and exercise habits. In conjunction with oxygen therapy, these changes could help a person raise their oxygen saturation levels.

A person’s blood oxygen level refers to the amount of oxygen circulating in their blood. A person can measure blood oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter. On a pulse oximeter, doctors consider levels under 95% to be low.

Several conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels, including asthma, anemia, and COVID-19.

The treatment will often involve addressing the underlying cause, but doctors may sometimes also recommend oxygen therapy or lifestyle modifications.

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What causes low oxygen in red blood cells

Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood produces a lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells. If you have anemia, your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. The lack of oxygen can make you feel tired or weak. You may also have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or an irregular heartbeat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3 million people in the United States have anemia.

There are many types of anemia, including:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia
  • Hemolytic anemia

Mild anemia is a common and treatable condition that can develop in anyone. It may come about suddenly or over time, and may be caused by your diet, medicines you take, or another medical condition. Anemia can also be chronic, meaning it lasts a long time and may never go away completely. Some types of anemia are inherited. The most common type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia.

Some people are at a higher risk for anemia, including women during their menstrual periods and pregnancy. People who do not get enough iron or certain vitamins and people who take certain medicines or treatments are also at a higher risk.

Anemia may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as bleeding in your stomach, inflammation from an infection, kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will use your medical history, a physical exam, and test results to diagnose anemia.

Treatments for anemia depend on the type you have and how serious it is. For some types of mild to moderate anemia, you may need iron supplements, vitamins, or medicines that make your body produce more red blood cells. To prevent anemia in the future, your doctor may also suggest healthy eating changes.

What causes low oxygen in red blood cells

Guide

Your Guide to Anemia

Learn basic facts about anemia and how it affects your health.

What is the most common cause of low blood oxygen?

Common causes of hypoxemia include:.
Anemia..
ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome).
Asthma..
Congenital heart defects in children..
Congenital heart disease in adults..
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) worsening of symptoms..
Emphysema..
Interstitial lung disease..

What does low oxygen in red blood cells mean?

Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause.

How do you treat low oxygen in red blood cells?

How is hypoxemia treated?.
Inhalers with bronchodilators or steroids to help people with lung disease like COPD..
Medications that help to get rid of excess fluid in your lungs (diuretics)..
Continuous positive airways pressure mask (CPAP) to treat sleep apnea..

What are the symptoms of not enough oxygen in the blood?

Symptoms of low blood oxygen levels.
shortness of breath..
headaches..
restlessness..
dizziness..
rapid breathing..
chest pain..
confusion..
high blood pressure..