8 Signs of Not Getting Enough Oxygen in Your Blood
- If you have low oxygen levels in your blood, you may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and confusion.
- Your skin may also turn a bluish tint if you are not getting enough oxygen in your blood.
- If you experience any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
Did you know that your blood needs oxygen to function properly? It’s true! Oxygen is essential for the production of ATP, which is responsible for providing energy to cells. Without enough oxygen in the blood, cells can’t produce ATP, and the body can’t function properly.
So, how do you know if you’re not getting enough oxygen in your blood? Here are eight signs to look out for.
1. Shortness of breath
This is perhaps the most obvious sign that you’re not getting enough oxygen. If you feel short of breath all the time, it’s definitely worth checking with your doctor.
2. Feeling tired all the time
Feeling tired all the time can be a sign of anemia, which can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet or by not getting enough oxygen in the blood. If you’re always feeling exhausted, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss possible causes and treatment options.
3. Chest pain
Another common symptom of low blood oxygen levels is chest pain. This can range from a dull ache to sharp stabbing pains.
4. A bluish tint to the skin
When your blood isn’t getting enough oxygen, it can cause your skin to take on a bluish tint. This is especially noticeable around the lips and fingernails. The medical term is cyanosis.
5. Rapid heartbeat
A rapid or irregular heartbeat is another sign that something isn’t right. If your heart has to work overtime to pump oxygen-rich blood around your body, you’ll likely notice some changes in your heartbeat.
6. Headaches
Not getting enough oxygen can lead to headaches, as well as dizziness and lightheadedness.
7. Poor appetite
When your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, it can affect your appetite. You may not feel like eating or may even lose weight without trying.
8. Confusion and memory problems
Lacking oxygen can also cause problems with thinking and memory. If you find yourself feeling more confused than usual or having trouble remembering things, it could be a sign of low blood oxygen levels.
FAQs
What is blood oxygen?
Blood oxygen is the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood. Oxygen is essential for your cells to function properly.
What is a normal blood oxygen level?
A normal blood oxygen level is typically between 95 and 100 percent. This number can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including physical activity, age, and altitude.
What is hypoxemia?
Hypoxemia is when your blood oxygen level is below 90 percent. Hypoxemia can be caused by a variety of lung conditions, such as COPD, pneumonia, and asthma. Additionally, heart conditions can also lead to hypoxemia because they prevent the heart from pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the lungs.
How are low blood oxygen levels diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have low blood oxygen levels, they will order a pulse oximeter test. This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your bloodstream that’s saturated with oxygen. A reading below 90 percent is considered abnormal.
What are the complications of low blood oxygen levels?
Low blood oxygen levels can lead to serious complications, including heart attack, respiratory failure, and coma.
The bottom line
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether or not you might be suffering from low blood oxygen levels. Left untreated, this condition can lead to some serious health problems down the road. So if you think something might be wrong, don’t wait to get checked out!
Also read: How to Increase Your Blood Oxygen Level
