Patient Education: Hypoxia

What is Hypoxia?
Hypoxia means your body or parts of your body are not getting enough oxygen. Oxygen is very important because it helps your body work and keeps you alive.

Causes and Risk Factors
Hypoxia can happen if you have:

• Lung problems like asthma, pneumonia, or COPD
  
  

• Heart problems that stop oxygen from moving well
  
  

• High altitudes (very high places with thin air)
  
  

• Blocked airways or choking
  
  

• Anemia (low red blood cells)
  
  

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
  
  

Signs and Symptoms (Early Warning Signs)
You might feel:

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  
  

• Fast breathing or heartbeat
  
  

• Feeling tired or weak
  
  

• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
  
  

• Blue lips or fingernails (called cyanosis)
  
  

• Headache or dizziness
  
  

Complications if Untreated
If hypoxia is not treated, your organs like your brain and heart can get hurt. This can lead to serious problems like brain damage, heart failure, or even death.

Treatment and Self-Care

• Use oxygen therapy if your doctor gives you oxygen to help you breathe better.
  
  

• Take medicines as your doctor tells you.
  
  

• Avoid smoking and places with poor air quality.
  
  

• Rest and avoid hard activities when you feel short of breath.
  
  

• Keep your home clean and free from dust or smoke.
  
  

• Follow your doctor’s plan for any lung or heart disease you have.
  
  

Common Medications

• Bronchodilators (help open airways)
  
  

• Steroids (reduce swelling in lungs)
  
  

• Antibiotics (if infection is causing hypoxia)
  
  

• Blood pressure or heart medicines if heart problems cause hypoxia
  
  

Purpose and Side Effects of Medications
These medicines help you breathe better and keep oxygen flowing to your body. Side effects can include shaky hands, fast heartbeat, upset stomach, or headaches. Tell your doctor if side effects bother you.

Dietary Needs and Lifestyle Changes

• Eat healthy foods to keep your body strong.
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  
  

• Stay at a healthy weight.
  
  

• Exercise as your doctor says to help your lungs and heart.
  
  

Safety Considerations and Prevention

• Never use open flames or smoke near oxygen tanks.
  
  

• Keep emergency numbers handy.
  
  

• Avoid high places with low oxygen unless your doctor says it is safe.
  
  

• Manage other health problems like asthma or heart disease carefully.
  
  

When to Call for Help
Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

• You feel more tired or weak than usual
  
  

• You have more trouble breathing or shortness of breath that does not get better
  
  

• You feel confused or dizzy
  
  

• Your lips or fingernails look blue
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room if:

• You cannot catch your breath or can’t talk because of breathing trouble
  
  

• You pass out or lose consciousness
  
  

• Your chest hurts very badly
  
  

• Your oxygen tank or equipment is not working properly and you feel worse
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Write True if the statement is correct. Write False if the statement is wrong. For every false statement, please correct it with the right information.

1. True or False: Hypoxia means your body has enough oxygen.
   
   

2. True or False: Lung diseases like asthma can cause hypoxia.
   
   

3. True or False: Blue lips or fingernails can be a sign of hypoxia.
   
   

4. True or False: If you feel confused, it might be because of low oxygen.
   
   

5. True or False: Hypoxia is not dangerous and does not need treatment.
   
   

6. True or False: Oxygen therapy can help if you have hypoxia.
   
   

7. True or False: Smoking does not affect your risk for hypoxia.
   
   

8. True or False: You should stop your medications if you feel better.
   
   

9. True or False: Side effects from medicines for hypoxia can include fast heartbeat.
   
   

10. True or False: You should use oxygen tanks near candles and flames.
    
    

11. True or False: You need to eat healthy foods to help your body fight hypoxia.
    
    

12. True or False: If you cannot breathe or talk well, you should go to the emergency room.
    
    

13. True or False: Being tired is never a sign of hypoxia.
    
    

14. True or False: Avoiding high altitudes can prevent hypoxia.
    
    

15. True or False: Your doctor may prescribe medicines to open your airways.
    
    

16. True or False: Hypoxia can cause brain damage if untreated.
    
    

17. True or False: You should call your home health agency if you feel more confused than usual.
    
    

18. True or False: Hypoxia only happens to people with lung disease.
    
    

19. True or False: Exercise can help improve your breathing if done safely.
    
    

20. True or False: It is safe to use your oxygen equipment without checking it first.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

1. What tests or lab results should you know about that help your doctor check your oxygen levels? (Example: Pulse oximetry, blood gas tests)
   
   

2. Which medications are you currently taking to help manage your breathing or oxygen levels?
   
   

3. Have you been taught how to use your oxygen equipment safely at home?
   
   

4. What symptoms do you notice that tell you your oxygen levels might be low?
   
   

5. Do you know when you should call your doctor or go to the hospital if your breathing gets worse?
   
   

6. How do you take care of your lung or heart condition on a daily basis?
   
   

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911