Anoxia occurs when the body or a person ‘s brain stops receiving oxygen. It is an extreme form of hypoxia. Loss of oxygen to the body or brain can be extremely damaging and even life-threatening.
Lack of oxygen can cause serious harm or even death, so anyone who suspects they may have hypoxia should seek medical attention immediately. It only takes about 4 minutes without oxygen for the brain to be permanently damaged.
Lack of oxygen in the brain causes neurons to die and can increase the likelihood of brain damage or death.
Symptoms
Mood swings or personality changes
Difficulty speaking or forgetting words
Weakness
Feeling dizzy or disoriented
Inability to concentrate
Memory loss
Headache
Dificulty to walk
Coordination problems
The longer a person is without oxygen, the more apparent the symptoms will be. Experiencing anoxia for several minutes can cause: loss of consciousness, fainting, seizures, or hallucinations.
It is important to note that the symptoms of anoxia may not be immediately apparent because the brain can compensate for the decrease in oxygen for a few minutes before symptoms appear.
Initial symptoms can be mild. However, immediate medical attention is vital for cases of anoxia.
Types of anoxia
Anemic anoxia
Anemic anoxia occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin in the blood or the hemoglobin present has become ineffective. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body through the blood, and if the blood cannot deliver enough oxygen to the organs, they may stop working properly.
Toxic anoxia
Toxic anoxia prevents the blood from transporting oxygen around the body effectively. It can occur after a person ingests, absorbs, or inhales certain toxins or other harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide.
Anoxia due to stenosis
Stenosis anoxia occurs when blood does not reach the brain or other parts of the body that require blood to function properly. Cardiovascular problems, such as stroke or heart failure, are often the cause of stenosis anoxia.
Anoxia anóxica
Anoxic anoxia can occur when there is not enough oxygen available to ensure the body is working properly. This can occur if a person is at high altitudes, with a sudden change in altitude, where there is limited oxygen in the air.
Causes of anoxia
-Heart or respiratory arrest
-Shoking or strangulation
-Drug overdose
-Inhalation of carbon monoxide or smoke
-Loss of blood
Irregular heartbeats or damaged heart muscles that cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to the brain
-Other cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or heart failure
-Acute asthma attack
-A severe electric shock
-Exposure to certain toxic chemicals and poisoning
-High altitudes where oxygen levels are low
-Be close to drowning
-A reaction to general anesthesia
– Inadequate oxygen supply or cardiac arrest under general anesthesia
-Pneumonia
-Low levels of hemoglobin in the blood
-Sickle cell anemia or thalassemia (inherited anemia that causes destruction of red blood cells).
Hypoxic anoxic brain injuries are very serious and can cause serious and permanent damage. Knowing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. A quick medical response can help reduce complications and determine the speed and success of recovery.
