Hypoxia and Asphyxia: What Is the Difference?
Hypoxia and asphyxia are two different medical conditions caused by a lack of oxygen in the body. Hypoxia is a decreased level of oxygen in the body, while asphyxia is a complete lack of oxygen. Both conditions can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, but the most common cause is respiratory failure.
Symptoms of Hypoxia
The symptoms of hypoxia vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptoms include: shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and bluish skin color. In more severe cases, hypoxia can lead to coma or death.
Symptoms of Asphyxia
Asphyxia is a more serious condition than hypoxia and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Symptoms of asphyxia include: confusion, loss of consciousness, shallow breathing, seizures, and a bluish skin color.
Does Hypoxia Cause Asphyxia?
Hypoxia can lead to asphyxia if the oxygen levels in the body remain low for an extended period of time. In some cases, hypoxia can cause a decrease in the body's ability to absorb oxygen, which can lead to asphyxia. Additionally, if a person is in an environment with low oxygen levels, such as high altitude, they may suffer from hypoxia and eventually asphyxia.