What is hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia refers specifically to a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. This condition can lead to various physiological disturbances, as adequate oxygen levels are crucial for the body's cellular functions. When oxygen saturation in the blood falls below normal levels, it can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, and increased heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

This understanding is foundational in various medical contexts, especially in mechanical ventilation, where ensuring proper oxygenation is a primary goal. Monitoring blood oxygen levels is critical in assessing respiratory function and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Thus, recognizing hypoxemia as a state of decreased oxygen availability is vital for appropriate management in clinical settings.