Oxygen starvation is called hypoxia. This is a condition in which the cells of the human body receive insufficient amounts of oxygen. Hypoxia is transient, but most often this phenomenon lasts long enough, which can lead to pathological changes.
Causes of oxygen starvation
The causes of oxygen starvation of the body are different. This condition can occur:
- with a decrease in the volume of oxygen in the air that a person inhales (this phenomenon is observed during the ascent to the mountains or in a poorly ventilated room);
- when there is a mechanical interference with the intake of air into the human lungs (observed when the airways are closed with water or vomit, with narrowing of the nasal passages as a result of an allergic reaction);
- with carbon monoxide poisoning ;
- with a large loss of blood;
- when taking certain medicines;
- with a lack of vitamin B2 as a result of cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis.
In addition, the condition that causes oxygen starvation of the brain, as well as the heart, causes ischemic disease, thrombosis, vasospasms and smoking.
Symptoms of oxygen starvation
The first symptoms of oxygen starvation of the brain are excitation of the nervous system, cold sweat, dizziness and severe palpitations. In some people, the state of euphoria can be replaced by extreme fatigue and even retardation. Signs of oxygen starvation of the brain include:
- convulsions;
- change in unconditioned reflexes (eg, cutaneous or visual);
- disordered muscle activity.
If hypoxia occurs very quickly, then a person may lose consciousness, and in some cases even fall into a coma.
Diagnosis and treatment of oxygen starvation
To identify the oxygen starvation of the brain, it is necessary to undergo several studies. These include an electrocardiogram, a blood test, magnetic resonance imaging, an electroencephalogram, and a computerized tomography of the brain.
A person who suffers from oxygen starvation needs emergency treatment. When the first signs of this pathological condition appear, immediately call an ambulance, and before the arrival of the patient, provide the patient with fresh air. To do this, it is necessary to unbutton tight clothes, withdraw the ode from the lungs, make artificial respiration, or take the person out of the enclosed space. In the future, health workers ensure that the body is saturated with oxygen.
In severe cases of oxygen starvation of the brain, treatment should include blood transfusion and the use of anti-edematous drugs.
Prevention of oxygen starvation
Oxygen starvation is a dangerous condition that can become the root cause of serious health problems, because cells without oxygen after a while just die. The negative consequences of hypoxia are frequent syncope,
This requires as much as possible to be out in the fresh air, regularly monitored by a doctor and see to it that the blood supply to the brain is good. To prevent hypoxia, the inhalation of so-called oxygen cocktails is shown. They can be enriched with eucalyptus, lavender and mint sweets. If you suffer from coronary heart disease or vascular diseases, then to avoid oxygen starvation, it is necessary to undergo periodic hyperbaric oxygenation .