Hypoxemia
Silent Hypoxia
a condition where the oxygen level in your blood is below the normal range, which can cause hypoxia where there is an inadequate amount of oxygen in your tissues to meet your body’s needs and functions. There exists a broad range of causes for hypoxia; some include acute and chronic respiratory illnesses/conditions, cardiac disease, and even altitude.
There are many signs and symptoms of hypoxia and may vary among different individuals. Some of the more common presentations include:
– Change in skin color ranging from blue to dark red
– Confusion
– Cough- Lethargy
– Fast heart rate
– Shortness of breath
– Wheezing
As a result, the use of Pulse Oximetry at home to detect low oxygen saturation levels may lead to earlier detection of hypoxia and hopefully capture the “silent hypoxia” cases, which may lead to earlier intervention with less adverse events. The DaNavi app is compatible with a wireless Pulse Oximeter and monitors your blood oxygen saturation continuously, and it enables users tostore their pulse oximetry data in a daily journal on their smart phone or tablet.
Treatment for hypoxia and/or hypoxemia may include treating the underlying condition which may necessitate supplemental oxygen delivery via a nasal cannula, oxygen mask, mechanical ventilation, hyperbaric chamber or other devices.
For further information on symptoms and/or treatment of hypoxemia or hypoxia, please contact your physician.