Lack of Oxygen and Health Consequences
29 Apr 2019

Oxygen is the sole component of the air we breathe i.e. capable of supporting life. Air consists of roughly 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and alternative trace components. Asphyxiation, the state or process of being deprived of oxygen, which can result in unconsciousness or death is the greatest hazard associated with nitrogen and other inert gases, such as argon and helium. However, the addition of any gas, except oxygen to air scales back the oxygen concentration through displacement and dilution. Breathing as little as 1-2 breaths of air containing deficient oxygen might have serious and immediate effects, including unconsciousness. Because there are no warning signs of reduced oxygen concentrations, these environments are exceptionally dangerous.

When your body does not have abundant oxygen, you may get hypoxemia or hypoxia. These are dangerous conditions. Without oxygen, your brain, liver, and all the other organs may be damaged just minutes after symptoms begin.

Hypoxemia (low oxygen in your blood) could cause hypoxia (low oxygen in your tissues) once your blood does not carry required oxygen to your tissues to satisfy your body’s demands. The word hypoxia is often used to describe both problems.


Although they could vary from person to person, the most common hypoxia symptoms are:

  • Modulation in the color of your skin, ranging from blue to cherry red
  • Confusion
  • Cough
  • Fast heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Slow heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Wheezing

Effects of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres

Effects of exposure to subsided levels of oxygen concentrations would possibly embody mental confusion, giddiness, nausea, weakness, loss of judgment, loss of coordination, fainting, loss of consciousness and death. The immediate effects of low oxygen environments are because of our body’s oxygen transport system. Blood consumes oxygen from the air in our lungs to fuel the cells in our bodies. The brain is most sensitive to the lack of oxygen as compared to other body organs. Within 5 seconds after inhaling solely a couple of breaths of oxygen-free gas, there is a rapid drop in the oxygen concentration of the blood. Mental failure and coma follow a few seconds later. Death follows in just two to four minutes.

Warning: Exposure to surroundings containing lower than 10% oxygen could speedily overcome someone and bring about unconsciousness all of sudden so they are incapable of serving to themselves. Lack of ample oxygen could cause serious injury or death. However, it’s commonplace for the exposed person to be unaware of the symptoms. They may even expertise a false sense of security and well-being. Poor physical health and high degrees of work up worsen the symptoms of oxygen-deficient exposure. Some symptoms of oxygen deprivation are perceived at high altitudes wherever the density of air, and therefore the mass of oxygen, is much lower per unit volume.


Treatment for low blood oxygen levels incorporates receiving supplemental oxygen. This can be done at home which is known as home oxygen therapy or HOT.

Home oxygen therapy involves inhaling air that comprises additional oxygen than traditional via a cylinder or machine at your home. It might be prescribed if you’ve got a heart or lung condition which causes low oxygen levels in your blood. Breathing air with quality oxygen increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes it easier to hold out activities that may be somewhat tough and helps scale back your symptoms. Oxygen therapy additionally helps prevent injury to the heart and brain, which can be caused by low levels of oxygen in the blood.  It can facilitate individuals with a number of health conditions, such as:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Heart failure
  • Obesity-related hypoventilation
  • Severe long-term asthma
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Conditions affecting the nerves and muscles or ribcage
  • Cystic fibrosis

People who have oxygen therapy have different requirements. For example, you might solely need oxygen for brief periods throughout the day once you’re walking about (ambulatory oxygen), or you might need it for extended periods throughout the day and night.

There are a few self-care measures which can be taken by people to reduce symptoms of shortness of breath and improve their general health and quality of life. These include:

  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid passive smoking in places where others smoke
  • Eat a healthful diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Exercise regularly

MyOxy – A Lightweight Portable Oxygen Can

MyOxy introduced portable oxygen kit for patients to use during oxygen therapy at home. These portable cans are FDA approved and provide Medicinal Grade Pure Oxygen I.P. 99%.  Buy your oxygen can online here.




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