What is hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia refers specifically to a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. This condition can lead to various physiological responses as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen. It occurs when the arterial oxygen tension falls below normal levels, which can result from respiratory issues, inadequate ventilation, or other underlying health problems. Recognizing and understanding hypoxemia is critical because it can have serious implications for tissue oxygenation and overall bodily function.

The other options describe different physiological states that do not pertain to hypoxemia specifically. An excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream is known as hypercapnia, elevated oxygen levels characterize hyperoxia, and a reduction of airflow into the lungs relates to obstructive conditions but does not directly define hypoxemia. Understanding these distinctions is key in the field of medical gas therapy, where accurate diagnosis and treatment of gas exchange abnormalities are vital.