Oxygen plays a vital role in keeping our bodies functioning well, and even small changes in oxygen levels can sometimes signal that something isn’t quite right. When oxygen levels drop too low or carbon dioxide builds up in the body, it can affect how we feel, physically and mentally. These changes can happen for many reasons, and understanding what they might mean can help you feel more prepared and aware. In this post, we’ll explore what abnormal oxygen levels are, how they might show up in daily life, and why paying attention to your breathing matters.
If you notice any irregularities in your breathing or oxygen levels, contact your doctor for a professional opinion.
When the oxygen level drops to 90% or below, it is called hypoxemia, meaning that your cells are not receiving enough oxygen. This can lead to systemic dysfunction. Various health conditions can cause hypoxemia, including:
- Respiratory infections: pneumonia
- Anemia: When the red blood cell count is low, or a protein called hemoglobin.
- OSA( Obstructive Sleep Apnea) or Sleep Apnea: This causes intermittent breathing stops during sleep.
- Asthma: Untreated and chronic asthma can lower your blood oxygen levels.
- Heart disease: Heart failure can negatively affect your oxygen levels.
- Pulmonary Disease: diseases like Cystic fibrosis and lung cancer, among others, can affect the oxygen caption and reduce your blood oxygen levels.
- Other factors: Higher altitude, smoke, air pollution, and drugs like Opioids and benzodiazepines can also affect your blood oxygen levels.
Symptoms
- Short breathing.
- Rapid Breathing (hyperventilation).
- Chest Pain.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness or tiredness.
- Confusion.
Treatment:
The cause must be identified to determine the appropriate treatment. Your doctor will decide what is best for you.
However, if you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease that affects your oxygen levels, regular monitoring can help your healthcare provider better understand your condition.
Hyperventilation
When the body experiences low oxygen levels, it may respond with changes in breathing as a defense mechanism. One such response is hyperventilation, which occurs when exhalation exceeds inhalation and is marked by rapid, deep breaths. While anxiety or stress are common triggers, other medical conditions can also cause it
During hyperventilation, our body wastes more carbon dioxide (PaCO2) from the arteries, which can cause respiratory symptoms, dizziness, fast heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms:
- Dizziness or Weakness
- Tachycardia
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain.
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
Causes:
The causes can be physical or psychological.
Physical:
- Bleeding
- Asthma
- Lung infections
- Pregnancy: During the third trimester of pregnancy, this is the most common discomfort caused by the fetus's weight.
- Pain: when someone is experiencing severe pain, it can affect its respiration.
Psychological (the most common):
- Phobia
- Anxiety
- Panic attack
- Stress
Treatment:
If there is no physical cause, one way to manage hyperventilation is through breathing exercises. These can help you relax and breathe more easily. Relaxation techniques can also reduce the triggers of hyperventilation. In some cases, medical treatment and psychotherapy may be needed, but your healthcare provider will determine this.
Hypoventilation:
It occurs when your breathing slows down, leading to an increase in the carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels in your blood and sometimes the oxygen levels decrease (hypoxemia). This condition is also called respiratory depression and can be caused by various factors, primarily affecting the brain, lungs, and respiratory muscles.
Hypercapnia: When the level of Carbon dioxide in your blood is increased.
Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Fast Heart rate (tachycardia)
- Dizziness
The causes can be health conditions, diseases, or the most common medications.
Diseases and Health Conditions:
- Obesity.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Hypothyroidism.
- Affections on the spinal cord, nerves, or muscle control, such as Muscular dystrophy, Multiple sclerosis, nerve or spinal cord injuries, among others.
- Toxins like tetanus and botulism.
Medications:
- Opioids: Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl.
- Benzodiazepines: The most common are Diazepam, Alprazolam, Lorazepam.
- Barbiturates: These are mostly used to treat epilepsy, anesthesia reasons, non-epileptic seizures, and in some cases, insomnia.
These medications must be taken under medical prescription and supervision. Hypoventilation caused by medications should be avoided if medical instructions are followed. None of these medications should be combined with alcohol or with each other; always consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Treatment
It will depend on the cause and severity, your healthcare provider will determine what is best for you, there is Noninvasive ventilation support (CPAP), medication, Oxygen therapy, and Mechanical ventilation (Invasive support).
In all cases of altered oxygen levels, you may need to monitor your oxygenation. If you've been diagnosed with a condition affecting your oxygen levels, click here to learn more.
Whether it's feeling short of breath, dizzy, or just a bit “off,” paying attention to how you breathe can give you valuable clues about your health. By understanding the signs of hypoxemia, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation, you can act early and avoid more serious problems. Always talk to your healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right, and remember — managing your breathing is a team effort. With the right support and a little knowledge, you can breathe easier every day.
Remember, this information is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose any conditions. If your oxygen levels and or breathing are abnormal, seeking medical advice is important.
**The content on this site, regardless of its date, is not intended to replace direct medical advice from your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional**
Salyx team