Abstract

Hypoxemia a Critical Point to be Consider during Anaesthesia and Surgical Care

Author(s): Anette Jacobs

Humans can only last a few minutes without oxygen, which is why it is such a critical component of life. There must be a balance between oxygen demand and delivery in order for the body to maintain homeostasis. The respiratory and cardiovascular systems are the two main organ systems in charge of maintaining homeostasis and supplying oxygen to the body. Hypoxemia and its harmful consequences would arise if any of these two functions were to malfunction. Hypoxemia can be caused by a number of things, but the most common one is a ventilation/perfusion mismatch. The current review will focus on hypoxemia in humans, including its definition, etiology, causes, and management. Hypoxemia is defined as a decrease in oxygen partial pressure in the blood, whereas hypoxia is defined as a decrease in tissue oxygenation. It could be caused by a shortage of oxygen delivery or a tissue’s inability to utilize oxygen. Hypoxia and hypoxemia are not always mutually exclusive