Signs of oxygen starvation in adults. Oxygen starvation. Hypoxia - treatment. Consequences for the child

19.09.2017

The lack of oxygen is very dangerous for the human body. In just a few seconds of oxygen starvation, death can occur. First of all, our brain suffers from a lack of oxygen. Cells very quickly begin to die, disrupting functions important for life. Hypoxia is what it is oxygen starvation. Translated from Latin term means “low oxygen.” To avoid such a pathology, everyone should know more about oxygen starvation of the brain, its symptoms and treatment.

Hypoxia must be treated without fail

What is hypoxia?

In medicine, there are several types of oxygen starvation. Each type differs in the cause of the pathological process. Let's take a closer look:

• Circulatory hypoxia. Lack of oxygen occurs due to disruption of blood supply to the brain. The cause of this type is vascular and heart diseases. These include heart failure, the presence of blood clots, and embolism.
• Respiratory hypoxia. From the name you can understand that the lack of oxygen occurs due to a violation respiratory function. The pathological process develops against the background of respiratory diseases: pneumonia, COPD, bronchial asthma. Also, the process of hypoxia can develop due to a severe allergic reaction.
• Exogenous hypoxia. The pathology is associated with a lack of air in the environment. Most often occurs in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
• Blood hypoxia. This type of oxygen starvation occurs due to a lack of any important elements in the blood. For example, with a critical decrease in hemoglobin levels. With anemia with a critical level of the indicator, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, resulting in hypoxia.
• Tissue hypoxia. The pathological process is triggered by the ingestion of poisons or certain medications into the body, which disrupt the supply of oxygen to organ tissue.

Regardless of the type of hypoxic process, in any case it is necessary to treat and take measures to eliminate the causes.

Symptoms of lack of oxygen

Brain hypoxia can be acute, fulminant or chronic. If we are talking about the fulminant form, no symptoms of brain pathologies are observed. Within two minutes, the patient’s health deteriorates and a sudden loss of consciousness occurs. Lack of emergency assistance within a few minutes after an attack leads to death. During the acute and chronic stages, some factors are observed that indicate the presence of a pathological process. Let's consider the main symptoms of hypoxia:

• Decreased performance.
• Constant weakness.
• Problems with sleep (either constant sleepiness or the development of chronic insomnia).
• Frequent dizziness.
• Rapid pulse.
• Darkening in the eyes.
• Deterioration of vision.
• Regular stress and the development of depression.
• Cramps.
• Focus on one point.
• Nausea, in some cases vomiting.
• Paleness of the skin.

Constant weakness and frequent dizziness– first signs of hypoxia

Brain hypoxia is a serious pathological process. If the above symptoms appear, be sure to go to the hospital for a diagnosis and effective treatment.

Hypoxia in an infant

We discussed above what oxygen starvation of the brain is in adults. In addition to the pathological process in the brain, often during pregnancy the fetus is diagnosed with hypoxia. Pathology in the fetus is dangerous, as it can lead to serious consequences, including death. Let's consider what factors influence the lack of oxygen in a child in the womb:

• According to statistics, in most cases maternal smoking leads to fetal hypoxia.
• Pathologies in the mother, such as heart failure or intoxication of the body.
• Pathological processes during pregnancy. These include premature placental abruption, placental insufficiency, and umbilical cord entanglement.
• During pregnancy, water breaks more than 8 hours before labor begins.

If we are talking about the early stages of pregnancy, then the expectant mother needs constant treatment medications, which contribute to the supply of oxygen to the fetus in the womb. If hypoxia is observed several weeks or days before the expected date of birth, in this case the doctor suggests performing C-section to prevent possible irreversible consequences of hypoxic pathology.

Why is oxygen deprivation dangerous?

Complications of hypoxia depend on several factors. The severity of the consequences depends on the type of hypoxia, how long the patient was in critical condition and how quickly help was provided.

The longer a person suffers from lack of oxygen, the more serious the consequences of the pathological process. Hypoxia is dangerous for the brain; this organ can remain without oxygen for a few minutes, then the cells that are responsible for certain functions die.

As for the heart and other organs, serious problems health problems arise after 15-25 minutes of oxygen starvation. Let's consider the main complications that arise due to hypoxia:

• Parkinson's disease.
• Dementia.
• Psychosis.
• Critical dilatation of peripheral vessels.
• Brain dysfunction.
• Heart diseases.
• Chronic shortness of breath.
• Development of thrombosis.

Diagnostics

To avoid possible complications, doctors recommend listening to your health and well-being and, at the first signs of a pathological process, contacting medical institutions. For an experienced specialist It is enough to know about the symptoms that bother the patient. If hypoxia is suspected, the doctor assesses the condition and severity of hypoxia using pulse oximetry. To find the cause of the pathological process, the doctor prescribes the following types diagnostics:

• Computed resonance tomography.
• Dopplerography of blood flow.
• General blood and urine tests.
• Angiography.

MRI is used to diagnose the disease

Depending on the cause and severity, you may need additional types diagnostician Oxygen starvation of the brain of any kind requires immediate treatment.

First aid

The presence of a lack of oxygen is indicated by causeless, sudden loss of consciousness. In this case, it is necessary to open the windows (if we are talking about being indoors), remove tight clothes from the patient and immediately call an ambulance.

Treatment of hypoxia

Oxygen starvation therapy should be comprehensive. If the patient is admitted to the hospital in a faint state, a drug for artificial ventilation is used. Depending on the cause of hypoxia, doctors carry out the necessary manipulations with the patient.

If we are talking about a chronic form of hypoxia, the patient is recommended to take medications throughout his life that normalize hematopoietic processes in the body, as well as antihypoxants and bronchodilators as prophylaxis. If the pathological process is caused by anemia, iron and vitamin C supplements are prescribed without fail, for better absorption microelement. The course of treatment and dosage is prescribed individually.

Treatment is best done in a hospital setting

If treatment for oxygen deprivation of the brain is started in time, then doctors assure that a positive prognosis is possible without any consequences. Unfortunately, this happens quite rarely, since in the early stages hypoxia occurs in a latent form.

Traditional treatment of hypoxia

As complementary therapy drugs are often prescribed traditional medicine. Let's look at a few effective recipes:

Pour boiling water into a glass and add 10-12 lingonberries. Leave for 3 hours. Next, you need to mash the berries with a spoon. You can add a little sugar to taste, especially since glucose helps activate the brain. This drink should be drunk daily, 2 glasses per day.

Lingonberries are used in the treatment of hypoxia

An infusion of medicinal herbs will help normalize hematopoietic processes in the body. St. John's wort and burnet herbs are used as medicinal raw materials. The raw materials are finely chopped and poured with boiling water. Cover with a lid and leave for at least 5 hours. The drink should be consumed at least 3 times a day, one glass. The course of treatment is at least 4 weeks.

Oxygen starvation of the brain responds well to therapy using oak bark. It is necessary to pour cold water into the pan and bring to a boil. Then, gradually place oak bark (several small parts) into the water. Boil for about an hour. Take the drink at room temperature, one glass per day.

Decoction of oak bark - excellent remedy to fight the disease

Mash hawthorn berries (half a glass) with a spoon to a paste. Place in a separate container and pour 1/3 cup of vodka. Close the lid and let it brew for seven days. Every day after lunch, add tincture (10 drops) to the a large number of water. The course of treatment is 1 month.

Prevention of oxygen starvation

First of all, preventive measures include eliminating factors that can cause hypoxia. Doctors recommend that every person stay on fresh air daily. When working indoors, it is necessary to saturate the air in the room with oxygen every hour through ventilation. Everyone should have fresh flowers in their home, which also contribute to the production of additional oxygen. In addition to radical measures, there are additional ones, such as proper nutrition and exercise.

If we are talking about the prevention of hypoxia in the fetus during pregnancy, future mom must maintain a healthy lifestyle. A pregnant woman should quit smoking and avoid smoky areas. Be in the fresh air and arrange hiking Expectant mothers are recommended at least 2 hours a day.

Brain hypoxia is oxygen starvation of its tissues. A variety of factors, both external and internal, can provoke brain hypoxia in an adult. Oxygen starvation can be a consequence of insufficient oxygen in the air, or the result of a disruption in the system of its supply to the brain.

Without oxygen human body cannot exist. Its deficiency affects all organs without exception. The brain is most sensitive to lack of oxygen. Even a few seconds of severe hypoxia are enough for brain cells to begin to die, and after half a minute the person will simply fall into a coma. After another 4 minutes, brain death will occur. Therefore, the danger of this pathological condition should not be underestimated.

Depending on the speed of occurrence and duration of the hypoxic state, three forms of oxygen starvation of the brain are distinguished:

Lightning hypoxia, which increases in literally a few seconds, but no more than in one minute. The person’s condition rapidly deteriorates, often resulting in death. Lightning hypoxia can occur when an airplane flying at an altitude of 11,000 m depressurizes or when a large arteries in the human body.

Acute hypoxia develops over several minutes, but not more than an hour. The reason for such oxygen starvation of the brain may be hidden in acute respiratory failure, or as a result of significant blood loss.

Subacute hypoxia increases over several hours, but not more than a day. In this case, chronic cardiac or pulmonary failure, venous bleeding, etc. can lead to hypoxia.

Chronic brain hypoxia develops over several days or even months. It is a consequence of various diseases, for example.

In any case, cerebral hypoxia is a condition that requires emergency assistance medical assistance to the patient, since sooner or later it will lead to his death.

Approximately 20% of the total volume of blood circulating in the body enters the brain. Together with blood cells, oxygen and other useful substances that are necessary to maintain its functionality are delivered to the organ.

There are endogenous and exogenous types hypoxia. The reason for the development of exogenous oxygen starvation of the brain is a decrease in oxygen concentration in the environment, namely, in the inhaled air. Often a similar situation is observed when climbing mountains, therefore this state of the body is called High Altitude or Mountain sickness. A sharp drop in barometric pressure can also lead to exogenous oxygen starvation. In this case, they talk about the development of decompression sickness in a person.

Endogenous oxygen starvation is indicated when the level of oxygen in the air is low, but barometric pressure remains normal. This situation can happen when a person is in mines, wells, in a submarine, or during an operation due to errors in the operation of the apparatus responsible for supplying oxygen to a patient under anesthesia.

Brain hypoxia can also develop in pathological conditions of the body. In this regard, there are:

Hypoxia of the brain, which develops against the background of disorders in the organs of the respiratory system.

The following reasons can lead to respiratory hypoxia of the brain:

1. Alveolar hypoventilation. This can be observed when the airway is obstructed, for example, against the background inflammatory process in the lungs, when a foreign body enters the respiratory tract due to spasm of the respiratory tract. The following can also lead to brain hypoxia: pulmonary edema, accumulation of exudate in pleural cavity. Moderate hypoxia of the brain is often caused by disturbances in the mobility of the chest, paralysis of the respiratory muscles, as well as its spasm against the background of tetanus or myasthenia. Alveolar hypoventilation can lead to oxygen starvation of the brain when respiratory regulation processes are disrupted when the respiratory center is affected by pathogenic factors. Other reasons include: hemorrhages in the respiratory organs, the presence of a tumor in them, injury to the medulla oblongata, overdose of narcotic or sleeping pills, severe pain which occur in a person during breathing movements.

   Failure of ventilation-perfusion connections develops due to impaired airway patency against the background of bronchospasm and pneumosclerosis.

   Excessive shunting of venous blood, which is observed with congenital anomalies heart development.

   Difficult oxygen diffusion. The cause is emphysema, asbestosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, interstitial.

Hypoxia, which develops against the background of certain circulatory disorders, leading to insufficient blood supply to brain tissue. The reasons are: massive blood loss, dehydration due to burns or cholera, etc. This also includes disturbances in the functioning of the heart muscle, for example, or cardiosclerosis, cardiac tamponade, cardiac overload. Often factors can occur in various combinations. Circulatory hypoxia of the brain develops against the background of severe infectious diseases, expressed allergic reactions, electrolyte imbalance, when taking glucocorticoids, with increased blood viscosity, with acute and chronic heart failure, with collapse, etc.

Reduced oxygen capacity of the blood, leading to the development of brain hypoxia, can be a consequence of factors such as: severe anemia with a sharp drop in the level of hemoglobin in red blood cells. This is often observed in diseases such as tuberculosis and intestines, in case of poisoning with hemolytic poisons, in case of massive burns, in case of malaria, when the body is exposed to ionizing radiation, against the background of a lack of vitamins and iron from food.

Tissue hypoxia of the brain develops when body tissues lose the ability to absorb oxygen from the blood. A similar situation develops against the background of cyanide poisoning, an overdose of barbiturates, antibiotics, or exposure to toxic substances on the body. of various origins. Deficiency of thiamine, riboflavin and other vitamins can also provoke tissue hypoxia of the brain.

Mixed type brain hypoxia develops when several factors lead to it simultaneously. It is worth noting that any severe hypoxia occurs of a mixed type, for example, with various types traumatic shock or during a coma.

Features of the course of brain hypoxia and adaptive reactions of the body

The severity of hypoxia in different organs and tissues may vary. So, if a threatening situation arises, the body will independently redistribute blood in such a way that the brain is supplied with it better than other organs and tissues. This process is called centralization of blood circulation. It can turn on, for example, during acute blood loss.

The result of this mechanism is that the brain suffers less from hypoxia than peripheral organs, such as the liver or kidneys, where irreversible changes do not develop at such a high rate.

How does cerebral hypoxia manifest?

Depending on the severity of brain disorders during hypoxia, there are:

Mild degree. This is manifested by symptoms such as lethargy, stupor, or, on the contrary, a person becomes hyperexcited, he experiences euphoria, and his heartbeat quickens. Palpebral fissures become uneven in size as a result of paresis facial nerve. If the pathogenic factor that affects oxygen starvation of the brain is not eliminated, then after a few hours or days it will move to the next stage.

Average degree. The patient retains paresis of the facial nerve, reflexes of the mucous membranes and tendon reflexes most often lowered. From time to time, cramps may occur that begin in the face and then spread to the trunk and limbs. Anxiety and psychomotor agitation are increased. The victim has difficulty oriented in space, his memory and other cognitive abilities deteriorate.

Severe degree. The patient experiences deep depression of consciousness with loss of voluntary activity, but reflexes are preserved. This condition is called soporous. Sometimes already at this stage a person falls into a severe coma. His upper and lower extremities develop, grasping and sucking reflexes appear, and muscle tone decreases. A persistent increase in temperature, increased sweating and lacrimation are possible.

Critical degree, which poses a threat to life. This condition is characterized by a deep coma, all structures of the brain are affected. The patient's skin is cold, there is no facial expression, the eyeballs are motionless, the pupils are dilated and do not react to light. The mouth remains half-open, the eyelids are closed, and the skin is cyanotic. The heart works weakly, vascular tone is reduced. As hypoxia progresses, cortical function cerebral hemispheres brain fade away. A person dies if his life is not supported with the help of an artificial respiration apparatus and means for toning cardiovascular activity.

Separately, it is necessary to describe the symptoms of chronic cerebral hypoxia, which include:

Increased fatigue.

Excessive irritability.

Emotional incontinence.

Decrease in intelligence.

Violations of the emotional-volitional sphere.

Deterioration of memory and attention.

Bad mood.

Increased tearfulness.

• Most often, people become indifferent to everything that is happening, less often they are complacent and euphoric.

  Periodic attacks of nausea are possible.

  Night rest is disrupted, and during the day a person experiences bouts of drowsiness. He falls asleep with difficulty, his sleep is shallow and intermittent. The patient often has nightmares. After a night out, a person feels tired and unrested.

  Chronic hypoxia is characterized by autonomic disorders, including: increased pulsation in the head, the appearance of tinnitus, frequent episodes of darkening of the eyes, a feeling of a rush of heat to the head. The heart rate increases, and heart pain and shortness of breath may occur. Even episodes of loss of consciousness are possible.

Why is cerebral hypoxia dangerous?

Even mild cerebral hypoxia is a dangerous condition that leads to pathological changes, affecting the entire body as a whole. The stronger the oxygen starvation, the more severe its consequences. The prognosis depends on the degree of damage to brain tissue and how long the hypoxia lasted.

If a person falls into a coma for a short period of time, then the chances of full rehabilitation are quite high. If the patient was not in a coma, he will recover even faster (subject to adequate and timely medical care).

If a person was in a coma for a long time, but came out of it, then such a state cannot remain without consequences. The life expectancy of such patients most often does not exceed one year. At the same time, bedridden patients develop bedsores and are more susceptible to infectious diseases, the causative agents of which are hospital strains of bacteria. They are characterized by increased resistance to therapy. In immobilized patients, the risk of blood clots forming in the veins increases.

After the postponed clinical death a person may lose a number of neurological functions.

The forecast could be as follows:

Full restoration of brain functions and normalization of the condition can occur in several days or months if the brain tissue has not been destroyed. Moreover, the patient throughout rehabilitation period will experience asthenic syndrome. Sometimes, after a significant improvement in well-being, a secondary deterioration may occur, and neurological disorders will be persistent.

Partial restoration of neurological functions is observed when some brain cells die. Rehabilitation and the patient’s return to normal life occurs slowly. Some functions may not be restored at all.

Complete recovery is rare, but if treatment is carried out correctly, stable remission can be achieved.

Brain cells do not recover after hypoxia, however, it is possible to achieve normalization of the body’s condition. The brain has the ability to take over the functions of neighboring cells, but only partially. Therefore, help with hypoxia should be immediate. Otherwise, the complications and consequences of oxygen starvation of the brain will be critical.

Diagnosis of cerebral hypoxia

In order to diagnose cerebral hypoxia, it is possible to use the following instrumental and laboratory methods:

Blood sampling for general and gas analysis.

Performing an encephalogram of the head.

Carrying out rheovasography, which provides information about the state of the cerebral vessels.

General or selective angiography, which allows you to evaluate blood flow to the brain.

MRI is one of the most informative methods research that provides the maximum amount of information about the state of the brain.

Capnography, which allows you to determine the amount of carbon dioxide in the air exhaled by a person. This method makes it possible to clarify the role of the lungs in the development of brain hypoxia.

In addition, the doctor assesses the patient’s condition, it is necessary to determine whether he has shortness of breath and. It is of no small importance to examine the patient, determine reflexes and other symptoms characterizing this state. To clarify the reasons that could provoke hypoxia, it is necessary to find out whether the patient has diseases of the internal organs, whether he suffered, etc.

Since brain hypoxia is most often associated with a number of factors, complex therapy is necessary, which depends on the cause that led to this pathological condition.

If hypoxia is the result of a lack of oxygen in the inhaled air, then the person should be switched to breathing normal air as quickly as possible. Provided that the brain cells have not been destroyed, recovery will not take much time, and all functional disorders will be eliminated. Sometimes patients are advised to add 3-7% carbon dioxide to regular oxygen. This will expand the blood vessels of the brain and stimulate the functioning of the respiratory center.

If there is a foreign object or other obstruction in the airway, tracheal intubation and tracheotomy may be required. The patient is placed in a position that facilitates breathing.

In case of severe respiratory failure, or complete absence breathing requires assisted or artificial respiration, artificial ventilation of the lungs. Oxygen therapy should be continuous and long-lasting until it is no longer needed.

Blood transfusions, cardiac and hypertensive medications are required for circulatory hypoxia. In this case, it is important to normalize blood circulation. If the patient has suffered cardiac arrest, chest compressions and the use of a defibrillator are required. The doctor may administer adrenaline, atropine, and take other resuscitation measures. All these measures must be carried out as quickly as possible, so it is possible that they can be carried out while still in the ambulance.

To treat and prevent cerebral hypoxia, medications with an antihypoxic effect can be used. These are narcotic and neuroleptic drugs, drugs to reduce body temperature, etc. Sometimes glucocorticoids can help.

It is imperative to restore the acid-base and electrolyte balance in the body, but this already applies to symptomatic treatment. Seduxen, which is administered intravenously, allows you to relieve convulsions. If this does not help, then the introduction of muscle relaxants is indicated.

To eliminate the consequences of brain hypoxia, it is possible to use drugs such as:

• Galantamine.

  Sodium hydroxybutyrate.

• Pyridoxine.

  Cerebrolysin.

  Tranquilizers.

  Vitamin and mineral complexes.

The patient will definitely have to visit the massage therapist’s office and perform therapeutic gymnastic complexes.

First aid for a person with cerebral hypoxia

The only thing a person who does not have medical education for a victim with cerebral hypoxia, this is to provide him with an influx of fresh air and call him as quickly as possible ambulance. Until doctors arrive, you should ventilate the room and remove from the victim all items of clothing that may interfere with breathing.

The prognosis depends on how long the brain suffered from oxygen starvation and the severity of its damage. With pronounced changes, areas of softening of the brain remain forever.

If a person has experienced a mild degree of hypoxia, then asthenic manifestations will persist for 2 weeks, but no more. With moderate hypoxia, pronounced disturbances can remain throughout the year. They are expressed in hyperkinesis, mental disorders, unmotivated aggression and agitation, blindness and hallucinations.

If a person has suffered severe hypoxia, then psychopathy can be observed throughout life. The intellect suffers and occurs periodically seizures, disturbances in motor functions appear, and loss of sensitivity occurs.

With a deep coma, the prognosis is as unfavorable as possible.

About the doctor: From 2010 to 2016 practicing physician at the therapeutic hospital of the central medical unit No. 21, the city of Elektrostal. Since 2016 he has been working at diagnostic center No. 3.

Causes of hypoxia:

1. various diseases of the body;
2. circulatory disorders;
3. respiratory muscle paralysis;
4. states of shock;
5. heart and vascular failure, heart block;
6. asphyxia;
7. alcohol;
8. poisoning carbon monoxide;
9. postoperative complications;
10. long-term stay of a person in a polluted or stuffy room, at great depth or altitude.

Regarding the rate of development, hypoxia occurs:

Oxygen starvation is the cause of severe pathologies of the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Severe hypoxia can lead to coma or death. Therefore, it is so important to take care of your health and, in order to prevent or treat brain hypoxia, do not delay visiting a doctor.

Oxygen is vital important element for our body. It is involved in complex biochemical processes at the cellular level. Briefly, this process can be described as energy synthesis. And we need energy for everything: for the functioning of organs and systems (for example, heart function, contraction of intestinal walls), for our mental and physical activity.

With oxygen starvation, our body does not receive enough energy - this is chronic tissue hypoxia. The function of the affected organ is impaired. And in especially severe cases, tissues do not receive energy at all - in case of poisoning, asphyxia.

It is not for nothing that experts call the brain a “critical organ” during hypoxia. After cessation of blood supply, the dynamics of brain dysfunction are as follows:

During acute oxygen deficiency, brain tissue can withstand only 4 seconds without disruption of activity.

With prompt, qualified assistance, the coma state can be reversible.

Signs of oxygen starvation depend on the type and causes of hypoxia. At an early stage, signs of hypoxia are subtle, but can have irreversible consequences.

Classification of types of oxygen starvation regarding causes:

1. Exogenous hypoxia. Occurs as a reaction to low oxygen content, at low pressure, in stuffy rooms, when rising to altitude.
2. Hemic hypoxia– a lack of oxygen in the blood, for example, with anemia.
3. Respiratory hypoxia. Occurs when the body’s ability to receive oxygen is impaired due to pathology of the respiratory system.
4. Circulatory hypoxia associated with CVS pathology.
5. Tissue hypoxia. Develops when oxygen is not absorbed by body tissues.
6. Overload hypoxia. May occur as a result of intense physical activity when the body's need for oxygen increases.
7. Mixed hypoxia– prolonged oxygen starvation of severe form for a combination of several reasons.

General signs of oxygen starvation.

With timely, adequate medical care, all body functions are restored.

They are quite varied and typical:

1. A sharp headache resulting from a pressure drop or lack of oxygen in the room.
2. A state of confusion and disorientation after sudden memory loss. Often the patient cannot understand where he is. Unable to remember where he was going. This condition does not last long. When it passes, the person calms down, attributing these symptoms to overwork or starvation.
3. A sharp transition from a state of excitement, euphoria, increased adrenaline to a state of lethargy and lethargy. There is rapid heartbeat, dizziness, cold sweat, and convulsions.
4. Involuntary and uncontrollable actions of the limbs, impaired skin sensitivity, lethargy, pain in the arms and legs.
5. Frequent mood changes, going to extremes, the desire to laugh and cry for no particular reason.
6. Sleep disturbances, insomnia, awakenings in the middle of the night.
7. Aggression, irritability, weakness against the background of general fatigue of the body. A person cannot concentrate on a specific job.
8. Speech and vision impairment.
9. Decreased mental abilities, difficulties with assimilation of new information.

By ignoring the symptoms of oxygen deprivation of the brain, you are putting your health at serious risk. Timely contact with specialists, early diagnosis and correct treatment will help prevent serious complications.

Hypoxia research methods:

Brain hypoxia is a serious pathological condition of the body, so treatment should be carried out at the first symptoms. Timely treatment will prevent negative consequences and avoid complications.

Treatment of oxygen starvation depends on the causes of the disease, by eliminating which positive dynamics can be achieved.

If signs of hypoxia appear before the doctor arrives, it is important to provide the patient with an influx of fresh air and, if necessary:

• unbutton clothes;
• remove water from the lungs;
• ventilate a smoky or stuffy room;
• take the patient out into fresh air;
• do artificial respiration.

Doctors provide therapy, saturation of the body with oxygen, blood transfusions, and resuscitation measures.

Treatment methods depend on the causes and types of hypoxia. In some cases, it is enough to ventilate the room and walk in the fresh air.

Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, treatment can take place in a hospital or at home. To normalize the patient's condition, medications and vitamins are prescribed.

Serious treatment will be required if the causes of oxygen starvation are problems of the heart, kidneys, blood, or lungs. Therefore, it is of great importance to establish the functioning of the cardiovascular system, breathing, correct the acid-base state of the blood, and water-salt balance.

1. In case of exogenous hypoxia, oxygen equipment will be needed.
2. In case of respiratory hypoxia, one cannot do without bronchodilators, respiratory analeptics, and antihypoxants.
3. In some cases, artificial ventilation and oxygen concentrators are used.
4. Treatment of hemic hypoxia requires blood transfusion.
5. In the treatment of circulatory hypoxia, corrective operations on the heart and blood vessels are used.

Prolonged oxygen deprivation can cause cerebral edema, requiring the use of decongestants. If resuscitation is untimely, fulminant and acute hypoxia often lead to death. That's why it's so important preventive actions, early diagnosis and timely comprehensive treatment of hypoxia.

To prevent hypoxia, it is necessary to eliminate all causes that lead to a lack of oxygen.

1. Frequent walks in the fresh air - preferably outside the city or in the park.
2. If you have to stay indoors for a long time, frequently ventilate at any time of the year.
3. Periodic preventive examinations by specialists - for early detection of diseases and their timely treatment.
4. Sufficient physical activity.
5. Prevention of vitamin deficiencies: eating fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. If necessary, take vitamin and mineral complexes in courses.
6. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

It all depends on the flow of the process. If this is chronic oxygen starvation, then usually the cause is heart or blood disease. Accordingly, the correction is carried out by a cardiologist or therapist. And if the brain suffers, a neurologist is involved in the treatment.

Acute or fulminant hypoxia, as well as severe chronic hypoxia, requires urgent resuscitation measures. Therefore, in these cases, you should immediately call an ambulance.

• Pulse oximetry. The method is accessible and simple - just put a pulse oximeter on your finger. Blood oxygen saturation is determined within a few seconds. The norm is at least 95%.

• Determination of acid-base balance (ABC) and blood gas composition.

• Capnography, CO-metry– study of exhaled air gases.

• Laboratory and instrumental methods studies can establish the fact of hypoxia, but to establish its causes, additional examination will be required, individual for each patient.

Treatment of oxygen starvation of the brain consists of etiotropic therapy (treatment of the cause). Thus, exogenous hypoxia requires the use of oxygen masks and pillows. To treat respiratory hypoxia, drugs that dilate the bronchi, analgesics, and antihypoxanes that improve oxygen utilization are used. In case of hemic (reduced oxygen in the blood), a blood transfusion is performed, histoxic or tissue, antidote drugs are prescribed, circulatory (heart attacks, strokes) - cardiotropic. If such therapy is not possible, actions are aimed at eliminating the symptoms: regulating vascular tone, normalizing blood circulation, prescribing medications for dizziness, headaches, blood thinners, restoratives, nootropic drugs and lowering bad cholesterol.

Metered aerosols are used as bronchodilators: Truvent, Atrovent, Berodual, Salbutamol.

Truvent is an aerosol can; when using, you need to remove the protective cap, shake it several times, lower the spray head down, take it with your lips and press the bottom, inhaling deeply and holding the breath for a few moments. One press corresponds to a portion. The effect occurs within 15-30 minutes. Every 4-6 hours the procedure is repeated, making 1-2 presses, this is how long the effect of the drug lasts. Not prescribed during pregnancy, angle-closure glaucoma, allergies. The use of the drug can reduce visual acuity and increase intraocular pressure.

Analgesics include large list drugs from the well-known analgin to completely unfamiliar names, each of which has its own pharmachologic effect. The doctor will determine what is necessary in a particular situation. Here is a list of some of them: acamol, anopyrine, bupranal, pentalgin, cefekon, etc.

Bupranal - solution in ampoules for intramuscular and intravenous injections, in syringe tubes - for IM. Maximum daily dose- 2.4 mg. The frequency of administration is every 6-8 hours. Possible side effects such as nausea, weakness, lethargy, dry mouth. Contraindicated in children under 16 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, increased intracranial pressure, and alcoholism.

The list of antidote drugs includes atropine, diazepam (mushroom poisoning), aminophylline, glucose (carbon monoxide), magnesium sulfate, almagel (organic acids), unithiol, cuprenil (heavy metal salts), naloxone, flumazenil (drug poisoning), etc. .

Naloxone is available in ampoules; there is a special form for newborns. The recommended dose is 0.4-0.8 mg, sometimes it is necessary to increase it to 15 mg. With increased sensitivity to the drug, an allergy occurs; in drug addicts, taking the drug causes a specific attack.

For strokes, Cerebrolysin, Actovegin, encephabol, papaverine, and no-spa are used.

Actovegin - exists in various forms: dragees, solutions for injections and infusions, gels, ointments, creams. Doses and method of administration are prescribed by the doctor depending on the severity of the disease. Burn wounds and bedsores are treated with external remedies. The use of the drug may cause hives, fever, and sweating. It has contraindications for pregnant women, during breastfeeding, and allergies.

A number of vitamins during tissue oxygen starvation are antidotes to toxic substances. Thus, vitamin K1 blocks the effect of warfarin - an antithrombosis agent, vitamin B6 - poisoning with anti-tuberculosis drugs, vitamin C is used for damage by carbon monoxide, anilines used in dyes, medicines, and chemicals. To maintain the body, it is also necessary to saturate it with vitamins.

With general or local hypoxia of different nature A method of physiotherapeutic treatment such as oxygen therapy is used. Most frequent indications to its use is respiratory failure, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases. There are various methods of oxygen saturation: cocktails, inhalations, baths, cutaneous, subcutaneous, intraband methods, etc. Oxygen barotherapy - breathing compressed oxygen in a pressure chamber relieves hypoxia. Depending on the diagnosis that led to hypoxia, UHF, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, massage, acupuncture, etc. are used.

One of the recipes traditional treatment is breathing exercises using the following method. Inhale air slowly and deeply, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly. Do this several times in a row, increasing the duration of the procedure. Bring the count to 4 while inhaling, to 7 while holding your breath, and to 8 while exhaling.

Helps strengthen blood vessels and reduce their spasms garlic tincture: Fill a third of the jar with chopped garlic, fill it to the brim with water. After 2 weeks of infusion, start taking 5 drops per spoon of water before meals.

A prepared mixture of buckwheat, honey and walnuts, taken in equal proportions, can raise hemoglobin: grind the cereal and nuts to flour, add honey, mix. Take a tablespoon on an empty stomach half an hour before meals. Fresh beet juice is also effective; it must be allowed to stand for some time before drinking so that the volatile substances are released.

Ginger will help cope with asthma attacks. Combine its juice with honey and pomegranate juice and drink a spoonful 3 times a day.

It is effective to take decoctions, infusions, and herbal teas that have an antispasmodic effect during oxygen deprivation: chamomile, valerian, St. John's wort, motherwort, hawthorn. For problems with the respiratory system, take decoctions of medicinal mixtures from coltsfoot, pine buds, plantain, licorice root, and elderberry flowers. Hemoglobin levels can be raised with the help of herbs such as nettle, yarrow, dandelion, and wormwood.

Homeopathic remedies are increasingly being used in combination with basic treatment. Here are some of the remedies that can be prescribed for oxygen starvation and are aimed at the causes of its occurrence.

• Accardium - granules containing metallic gold, arnica montana, anamyrtha coculus-like. Aimed at treating angina pectoris and cardiovascular disorders caused by heavy physical exertion. Twice a day, 10 granules half an hour before meals or an hour after, keep under the tongue until completely absorbed. The average course of treatment lasts 3 weeks. The drug has no contraindications or side effects. For use during pregnancy and children, consultation with a doctor is required.
• Atma® - drops, complex drug for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Dose for children under one year of age: 1 drop per teaspoon of water or milk. For children under 12 years of age, 2 to 7 drops per tablespoon. After 12 years - 10 drops per pure form or on the water. Continue treatment for up to 3 months. No side effects were observed.
• Vertigoheel - oral drops, used for dizziness, cerebral atherosclerosis, strokes. The drops are dissolved in water and, when swallowed, remain in the mouth for some time. Recommended from a child's age onwards. Up to 3 years - 3 drops, at the age of 3-6 years - 5, for the rest - 10 drops 3-4 times a day for a month. Hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Contraindicated for children under one year of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding - with the permission of a doctor.
• Hawthorn compositum is a homeopathic cardiac remedy, liquid. Adults are prescribed 15-20 drops three times a day, children - 5-7 drops. The drug has contraindications in case of allergy to the components.
• Aesculus-compositum - drops, used for post-embolic circulatory disorders, post-infarction and post-stroke conditions. Single dose - 10 drops in water, holding in mouth. Frequency - 3 times a day. Duration of treatment is up to 6 weeks. Side effects are unknown. Contraindicated in pregnant women and those hypersensitive to the components of the drug.

Surgical treatment of the heart or blood vessels may be necessary in the case of a circulatory form of oxygen starvation, the development of which occurs rapidly and is associated with disturbances in their functions.

Oxygen starvation, or hypoxia, is a condition of the body in which the normal supply of oxygen to the brain is disrupted. Hypoxia affects its outer part. But, as a rule, this term is also used to refer to the lack of oxygen in the entire brain. Based on the latest statistical studies, the highest prevalence of this disease was identified among residents of megacities and employees of enterprises who work in rooms where there is no normal air ventilation.

1. Inhalation of carbon monoxide.
2. Carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Greater height.
4. Suffocation.

Predisposing factors that provoke oxygen starvation of the brain include:

1. Inhalation of carbon monoxide.
2. Diseases that prevent normal operation respiratory muscles.
3. Carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Greater height.
5. Suffocation.

There are several types of this disease:

1. Hypoxic. This variety is quite often diagnosed in people who climb to great heights. As a rule, this manifests itself in the following way: the higher the altitude, the greater the lack of oxygen becomes.
2. Hemic. Characterized by a decrease in oxygen capacity in the blood.
3. Respiratory. A characteristic feature of this disease is the presence of pathological processes, which negatively affects the entire respiratory system.
4. Circulatory. It appears in case of lack of blood circulation.
5. Fabric. The cause of its occurrence is considered to be a decrease in the activity of respiratory enzymes.
6. Mixed. As the name suggests, it manifests itself as a combination of different types of this disease.
7. Myocardial. Manifested by a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle. The danger of this type of hypoxia lies in high probability development of a serious complication in the future - ischemia.

According to the period of occurrence they distinguish:

1. Lightning fast, which develops in a split second and lasts a maximum of 3-5 minutes.
2. Spicy. It usually appears after a heart attack or with a large loss of blood, which are predisposing factors for reducing the ability of the blood to supply oxygen to the tissues.
3. Chronic. Most often diagnosed with heart disease, cardiosclerosis or heart failure.

It is known that for normal functioning the brain requires about 3.3 million oxygen per 100 g of live weight. And if even the slightest deficiency occurs in the brain, to normalize the situation, cerebral blood flow almost instantly increases, which can exceed the norm by a maximum of two times. When this is not enough, hypoxia begins.

The initial stage of this disease is characterized by increased excitability. Most often, a state close to euphoria is observed, an inability to exercise full control over one’s actions, problems with performing simple mental tasks, and changes in gait.

Important! Evidence of the onset of hypoxia can also be changes in the upper skin of a person and the appearance of cold sweat.

If oxygen starvation continues for a significant period of time, then its characteristic features are severe vomiting and dizziness. In addition, the clarity of vision is significantly impaired, and periodic darkening of the eyes is observed. Cases of loss of consciousness are common.

Advanced cases are characterized by the appearance of cerebral edema. In the future, serious deviations in brain function may occur with further loss of conditioned and then unconditioned reflexes.

Attention! Medical practice There are several dozen cases where, as a result of prolonged hypoxia, the patient fell into a deep coma.

It should be remembered that oxygen starvation of the brain can be caused by other factors. For example, constant stress, lack of sleep, excessive smoking or excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages.

But, as practice shows, the symptoms of this disease rarely occur alone, but rather complement each other.

Diagnosis of this disease, in addition to a general examination by the attending physician, also involves conducting specific laboratory and instrumental tests.

Using a pulse oximeter. Today, this method is not only the most accessible to determine whether oxygen starvation of the brain is present or absent, but is also easy to use. To do this, just put a special device on the patient’s finger - a pulse oximeter - and literally in a couple of minutes you will know how saturated the blood is with oxygen. At the moment, the optimal level should not exceed 95%.

Determination of blood composition in veins and arteries. When this study is used, it becomes possible to establish the level of the main indicators of homeostasis, of which the following are distinguished: oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, the state of the bicarbonate and carbonate buffer.

Study of gases contained in exhaled air (CO-metry and capnography are used).

It is no secret that people turn to medical institutions only when it becomes unbearable to endure. But if such an approach is still justified when slight cold, then when hypoxia manifests itself, it can have very serious consequences. These include:

• bronchial asthma;
• serious metabolic disorders;
• stroke;
• deep coma

Treatment of this disease consists of using an integrated approach, which consists of regularly performing prescribed procedures. The first step is to tell your doctor the reason that led to this condition. This could be chronic fatigue, stress or a poorly ventilated room.

1. Preparations of herbal origin, the action of which is aimed at accelerating blood circulation in the patient’s body and stabilizing his general well-being.
2. Hyperbaric oxygenation. The essence of this therapeutic method consists in the fact that the patient is placed in a special chamber where the body is exposed to oxygen under high pressure.
3. Vitamins that restore brain tissue.

If weak oxygen starvation is diagnosed, treatment in this case consists of ventilating the room or taking long walks in the fresh air. Hypoxia that occurs as a result of heart disease or after poisoning is much more difficult to treat.

Treatment of respiratory hypoxia consists of prescribing drugs that dilate the bronchi, respiratory analeptics or antihypoxanes. In special cases, oxygen concentrators or artificial ventilation are used.

It should be remembered that if you consult a doctor in a timely manner and in the presence of fairly mild symptoms, the prognosis for a speedy recovery is very favorable. But in more advanced cases, it is not always possible to eliminate the negative consequences caused by a lack of oxygen.

This disease is especially dangerous during pregnancy. And sad as it may be, every year the number of women faced with this phenomenon is only increasing. But it should be borne in mind that hypoxia during pregnancy most often means no longer a full-fledged disease, but the course of processes due to which various pathological abnormalities occur in the body of the baby in the mother’s womb. This happens due to the fact that blood with oxygen does not reach the internal organs of the fetus in the required quantities. But it is worth remembering that mother and child are one whole, therefore, if the child suffers, then, accordingly, the mother also suffers.

Hypoxia during pregnancy is a very alarming sign, especially if it was diagnosed more than once over several trimesters. Therefore, to prevent this disease from developing into a chronic form, it is recommended not to hope that this is an accident, and not to attribute everything to an “interesting” situation and possible deviations from the norm, which usually occur in this case, but to consult a doctor as soon as possible at the observation location.

Oxygen starvation of the fetus can manifest itself in both acute and chronic forms. And, as practice shows, each case requires different predisposing factors. Thus, chronic hypoxia develops gradually and over a fairly long period of time. It most often occurs due to placental insufficiency, when, due to the presence of bad habits, serious chronic diseases (asthma), the placenta does not fully perform its functions.

Most often, chronic hypoxia manifests itself in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Acute oxygen starvation of the fetus, unlike chronic, occurs unexpectedly and, as a rule, occurs during the 2nd stage of labor. The main reasons leading to this condition are: placental abruption and the appearance of nodules on the umbilical cord.

Of the symptoms indicating imminent arrival hypoxia, we can distinguish:

1. Rapid heartbeat in the early stages and slow heart rate in later stages.
2. Fetal immobility.
3. Weak kicks of the baby in the later stages.
4. Changes in the skin of a newborn baby from natural to green or blue.

As a rule, during regular gynecological examinations, every expectant mother is recommended to remember not only the day when the baby first moves, but also to carefully monitor them (the movements) in the future. This is necessary, first of all, in order to record and subsequently prevent the development of serious pathologies.

Attention! The norm is considered to be the presence of up to 10 episodes of active movement of the child.

Also on every scheduled gynecological examination the expectant mother is being bugged abdominal wall through a special tube - an obstetrician's stethoscope. The purpose of this examination is to determine the baby's heart rate. Indicators of 110-160 beats per minute are considered normal. If other indicators are present, then this is considered an indication for additional examinations using a Doppler meter or cardiotocograph.

In addition, oxygen starvation can be determined by visual examination, since with this disease the volume of the abdomen is greatly reduced, and the baby himself, although he is latest dates, but on ultrasound examination he looks unnaturally thin.

Manifestations of this disease in newborns quite often cause irreversible disturbances in the functioning of vital organs (lungs, kidneys, heart and central nervous system). Therefore, when identifying initial stage hypoxia in a baby, it is necessary to warm him up as soon as possible and give him artificial respiration. In more serious cases, it is necessary to clear the airways of mucus accumulated there. For this purpose, special solutions are injected there. It is also recommended to perform external cardiac massage.

As a rule, oxygen deprivation in newborns subsequently requires constant monitoring by a pediatrician at the place of residence.

In most cases, women who have even the slightest hint of intrauterine hypoxia are gradually transferred to hospital treatment. There they are prescribed injections of drugs containing vitamins and substances that thin the blood. But, as a rule, such measures do not always achieve their goal, since oxygen starvation in a child will only go away when the factors that contributed to its occurrence are completely eliminated.

Therefore, preventive measures include:

1. A daily two-hour walk in the fresh air. If for certain reasons this becomes impossible, it is recommended to ventilate the room or install an air conditioner with an air ionization function. But remember that constantly sitting in a closed room, even with daily ventilation, is strictly not recommended.
2. Rejection of bad habits. Since this is not only a predisposing factor for the development of this disease, but also causes serious harm to the unborn baby.
3. Consume foods containing large amounts of iron. As a rule, these are pomegranate, beef liver, beans, herbs, and onions. In addition, drinks saturated with oxygen - oxygen cocktails - have proven themselves well.
4. Avoid colds and infectious diseases.
5. If possible, avoid areas with large crowds of people.
6. Stick to a certain daily routine. Remember that to fully restore the body, you need up to 8 hours of continuous sleep.
7. Minimize the occurrence of stressful situations.

Important! Acute oxygen starvation in an unborn baby requires a cesarean section.

When there is insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, hypoxia develops. Tissue starvation occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the blood, a violation of its utilization by peripheral tissues, or after the cessation of blood flow to the brain. The disease leads to irreversible changes in brain cells, disruption of the central nervous system and other serious consequences.

At the initial stages, dysfunction of the brain microcirculation, changes in the condition of the walls of blood vessels, neurocytes, and degeneration of areas of brain tissue are observed. Subsequently, the cells soften or gradually recover with timely treatment.

The main causes of acute cerebral hypoxia:

• acute heart failure;
• asphyxia;
• transverse heart block;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• atherosclerosis;
• previous heart surgery;
• carbon monoxide poisoning;
• thromboembolism of cerebral vessels;
• ischemic disease;
• stroke;
• diseases of the respiratory system;
• anemia.

Chronic hypoxia develops when working in unfavorable conditions or living in mountainous areas where the air is thin. The gradual deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels leads to a decrease in the lumen of the arteries and a slowdown in blood flow. If a complete blockage of the vessel occurs, the brain tissue dies and a heart attack develops, which can cause severe complications and death.

Signs of oxygen starvation vary depending on the form of the pathology. During acute hypoxia, patients experience motor and psychoemotional agitation, heartbeat and breathing become more frequent, the skin turns pale, sweating increases, and midges “flash” before the eyes. Gradually the condition changes, the patient calms down, becomes lethargic, sleepy, his eyes darken, and tinnitus appears.

At the next stage, the person loses consciousness, clonic convulsions and chaotic muscle contractions may occur. Movement disorders are accompanied by spastic paralysis, an increase and then a decrease in muscle reflexes. The attack develops very quickly, coma may occur within 1–2 minutes, so the patient must urgently receive medical care.

Chronic brain hypoxia occurs slowly. Characterized by constant fatigue, dizziness, apathy, depression. Hearing and vision often deteriorate and performance decreases.

Depression is characteristic of brain hypoxia

Neurological signs of hypoxia in adults:

• With diffuse organic damage to the brain, posthypoxic encephalopathy develops, accompanied by visual and speech disorders, impaired coordination of movements, tremor of the limbs, twitching eyeballs, muscle hypotonia.
• With partial impairment of consciousness, the symptoms of hypoxia manifest themselves as lethargy, numbness, and stupor. A person is in a depressed state, from which he can be brought out with persistent treatment. Patients retain protective reflexes.
• Asthenic condition: increased fatigue, exhaustion, deterioration of intellectual abilities, motor restlessness, low performance.

Brain hypoxia can be fulminant, acute or chronic. In the acute stage, signs of oxygen deficiency develop rapidly, and the chronic disease proceeds, gradually progressing, with less pronounced signs of malaise.

Acute hypoxia is accompanied by cerebral edema, dystrophic change neurons. Even after normalization of oxygen delivery to brain cells, degenerative processes persist and progress, leading to the formation of softened lesions. Chronic hypoxia of brain tissue does not cause pronounced changes in nerve cells, therefore, when the causes of the pathology are eliminated, patients recover completely.

Depending on the reasons that caused oxygen starvation, brain hypoxia is classified:

• The exogenous form of the disease develops when there is a lack of oxygen in the air.
• Respiratory hypoxia of brain tissue occurs when the upper respiratory tract is disrupted (asthma, pneumonia, tumors), drug overdose, or mechanical trauma to the chest.
• Hemic hypoxia of the brain is diagnosed when the transport of oxygen by blood cells is impaired. Pathology develops with a lack of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
• Circulatory develops when the blood circulation in the brain is impaired due to heart failure, thromboembolism, or atherosclerosis.
• Tissue hypoxia is caused by a disruption in the process of oxygen utilization by cells. This can be caused by blockade of enzyme systems, poisoning with poisons, and medications.

When oxygen supply is stopped, brain tissue can survive for 4 seconds, after 8–10 seconds the person loses consciousness, after another half a minute the activity of the cerebral cortex disappears and the patient falls into a coma. If blood circulation is not restored within 4-5 minutes, the tissues die.

Symptoms of acute oxygen starvation of the brain, that is, coma:

• Subcortical coma causes inhibition of the cerebral cortex and subcortical formations. The patient is disoriented in space and time, reacts poorly to speech and external stimuli, does not control urination and defecation, has increased muscle tone, depressed reflexes, and increased heart rate. Breathing is spontaneous, the reaction of the pupils to light is preserved.
• Hyperactive coma causes dysfunction of the anterior parts of the brain; symptoms are manifested by convulsions, lack of speech, reflexes, hyperthermia, surges in blood pressure, respiratory depression, and weak pupillary response to light.
• In a “flaccid coma,” the medulla oblongata is affected. Reactions to external stimuli completely disappear, reflexes are absent, muscle tone is reduced, breathing is shallow, blood pressure drops, the pupils are dilated and do not respond to light, and convulsions occur periodically.
• Terminal coma is a complete cessation of brain function. A person cannot breathe on his own, blood pressure and body temperature drop sharply, there are no reflexes, and muscle atony is observed. The patient is on artificial support of vital processes.

Prolonged oxygen starvation of the brain, stage 4 coma has a high risk of death, death occurs in more than 90% of cases.

With low oxygen pressure in the air, hypoxic hypoxia develops. The cause of the pathology is:

• breathing in confined spaces: tanks, submarines, bunkers;
• during rapid ascent on aircraft;
• during a long climb or stay in the mountains.

Lack of oxygen in the air leads to a decrease in its concentration in the alveoli of the lungs, blood and peripheral tissues. As a result, the level of hemoglobin decreases, chemoreceptors are irritated, the excitability of the respiratory center increases, hyperventilation and alkalosis develop.

The water-salt balance is disrupted, vascular tone decreases, blood circulation in the heart, brain and other vital areas deteriorates. important organs.

Symptoms of hypoxic hypoxia:

• Increased energy, faster movements and speech.
• Tachycardia and shortness of breath on exertion.
• Impaired coordination of movements.
• Rapid breathing, shortness of breath at rest.
• Decreased performance.
• Deterioration of short-term memory.
• Lethargy, drowsiness;
• Paresis, paresthesia.

At the last stage, brain hypoxia is characterized by loss of consciousness, the appearance of convulsions, muscle rigidity, involuntary urination and defecation, and coma occurs. When rising to an altitude of 9–11 km above sea level, cardiac activity is sharply disrupted, breathing is depressed and then completely disappears, coma and clinical death occur.

One of the signs of hypoxia may be fainting

Therapy methods

If a patient is diagnosed with acute brain hypoxia, it is important for the attending physician to ensure the maintenance of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, normalize metabolic processes, and prevent acidosis, which worsens the condition of brain tissue.

How to treat hypoxia in case of violation cerebral circulation? Patients are prescribed vasodilators, anticoagulants, and blood thinners. Medicines are selected taking into account the causes of the development of pathology.

The following methods are also used to treat hypoxia:

• craniocerebral hypothermia;
• hyperbaric oxygenation;
• extracorporeal circulation.

This is how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is performed

Neuroprotectors, nootropic drugs and antihypoxants protect nerve cells and contribute to their recovery. Decongestants are used for cerebral edema. Treatment of the consequences of hypoxia is carried out with narcotic drugs and antipsychotics.

If cerebral hypoxia has led to coma, the patient is connected to a ventilator and drugs that increase blood pressure, normalize heart rate and circulating blood volume are administered intravenously. Symptomatic treatment is also used to eliminate the causes of oxygen deficiency.

Acute or chronic cerebral hypoxia occurs when oxygen supply to brain structures is disrupted. The disease can lead to irreversible changes in organ cells, nerve trunks, severe disability and death of the patient. With timely assistance, it is possible to minimize the pathological process and restore brain function.

There are several forms of hypoxia: fulminant, acute, chronic. In the first case, the disease develops rapidly, in a few minutes. Acute hypoxia is observed after a heart attack, poisoning, or blood loss. Blood simply cannot deliver oxygen to organs and tissues. The chronic form of the disease develops with heart defects and heart failure. A lack of oxygen can occur when climbing to a height, during intense physical activity, or when there are disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory system. The kidneys, heart, brain, and liver are especially sensitive to lack of oxygen.

Symptoms of the disease

The first stage of hypoxia is marked by the following symptoms: increased excitability, inability to control one’s movements, unsteady gait, bluishness of the skin or, conversely, redness, cold sweat. During the second stage, visual impairment occurs, nausea and vomiting appear. The person may lose consciousness. Severe cases the diseases are accompanied by swelling of the brain, loss of conditioned and unconditioned reflexes, the skin becomes insensitive, and the person falls into a coma.

Treatment of oxygen starvation

Hypoxia can be detected thanks to laboratory research. There is a device - a pulse oximeter. It is placed on your finger and after a couple of minutes you can see the percentage of oxygen in your blood. This figure should not be lower than 95%. Capnography allows you to study exhaled air.

Before starting treatment for hypoxia, the cause of its occurrence should be identified. Perhaps the disease developed due to alcohol abuse or due to a long stay in a stuffy room. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, hospitalization or home treatment. Doctors prescribe medications whose action is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the entire body. Vitamins are needed to restore brain tissue. If hypoxia is caused by a disruption in the functioning of internal organs, then treatment will be aimed at restoring the proper functioning of organs and systems.

The lack of oxygen when climbing to a height can be compensated by using masks, oxygen bags and cartridges. Bronchodilators and antihypoxanes are prescribed for respiratory hypoxia. If oxygen starvation took place in mild form, and treatment was started on time, the body will soon recover. At severe forms Irreversible processes may begin in the brain tissue that cannot be treated.

The state of the body in which cells and tissues are not saturated with oxygen is called hypoxia. It occurs in adults, children, and even in a child in the womb. This condition is considered pathological. It causes severe and sometimes irreversible changes in vital organs, including the heart, brain, central nervous system, kidneys and liver. Special measures help prevent complications pharmacological methods and funds. They are aimed at increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues and reducing their need for it.

What is hypoxia

Medicine defines this concept as a pathological condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in the body. It occurs when there is a violation of the utilization of this substance at the cellular level or a deficiency in the inhaled air. The term is derived from two Greek words – hypo and oxigenium, which are translated as “little” and “oxygen”. At the everyday level, hypoxia is oxygen starvation, because all cells of the body suffer from its lack.

Causes

A common cause of oxygen starvation may be a lack of oxygen entering the body or a cessation of its absorption by body tissues. This is facilitated either by unfavorable external factors or certain diseases and condition. If oxygen starvation develops as a result of a lack of oxygen in the inhaled air, then the form of pathology is called exogenous. Its reasons are:

• staying in wells, mines, submarines or other enclosed spaces that have no communication with external environment;
• smog in the city, severe gas pollution;
• poor ventilation;
• malfunction of anesthesia-respiratory equipment;
• being in a room where there are many people;
• thin atmosphere at altitude (pilot illness, mountain and altitude sickness).

If the pathology is the result of any disease or condition of the body, then it is called endogenous. The reasons for this type of oxygen starvation are:

• diseases of the respiratory system, such as asbestosis (deposition of asbestos dust in the lungs), pneumothorax, hemothorax (filling of the pleural cavity with air or blood), bronchospasm, bronchitis, pneumonia;
• presence in the bronchi foreign bodies, for example, after accidental ingestion;
• acquired or congenital heart defects;
• fractures and displacements of the chest bones;
• diseases or pathologies of the heart, such as heart attack, heart failure, pericardial obliteration, cardiosclerosis (replacement of the heart muscle with connective tissue);
• injuries, tumors and other brain diseases that damage the respiratory center of the central nervous system;
• venous hyperemia (plethora);
• congestion in the system of the superior or inferior vena cava;
• acute blood loss;
• asphyxia (suffocation) of any nature;
• sharp narrowing blood vessels in different organs.

Intrauterine fetal hypoxia

For an unborn baby, oxygen deficiency is very dangerous. It causes serious complications: in the early stages of pregnancy - slowdown or pathology of fetal development, in the later stages - damage to the central nervous system. Oxygen starvation of a child can be caused by some systemic diseases of a pregnant woman, including:

• pathology of cardio-vascular system which lead to vascular spasms and deterioration of blood supply to the fetus;
• diseases of internal organs, such as pyelonephritis and inflammation of the urinary system;
• iron deficiency anemia, which disrupts the supply of oxygen to tissues;
• chronic diseases respiratory organs, for example, bronchial asthma or asthmatic bronchitis;
• disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.

Hypoxia during pregnancy is often associated with bad habits women. A pregnant woman is strictly prohibited from smoking and drinking alcohol. All toxins enter the baby's bloodstream and lead to serious complications. Fetal hypoxia can also be associated with other disorders:

• abnormalities in the development of the placenta or umbilical cord;
• post-term pregnancy;
• increased uterine tone;
• premature detachment placenta;
• infection of the fetus;
• incompatibility of fetal blood with maternal blood according to the Rh factor;
• prolonged compression of the head in the birth canal;
• entwining the umbilical cord around the neck;
• entry into the respiratory tract of mucus or amniotic fluid.

Signs

Hypoxia in a person can be determined by certain signs. There are symptoms common to all types of oxygen deprivation. They appear when the brain absorbs less than its fair share of oxygen. With this disorder, the following symptoms are observed:

1. Nervous system inhibition. Has a pronounced character. The patient complains of nausea, headache and dizziness. Sometimes visual disturbances and even loss of consciousness are observed.
2. Increased excitability. The person ceases to control speech and movements and feels in a state of euphoria.
3. Change in skin tone. The person's face begins to turn pale and then turns blue or red. Cold sweat indicates that the brain is trying to cope with the condition on its own.
4. Brain damage. Develops in severe oxygen deprivation and can lead to cerebral edema. This condition is accompanied by the loss of all reflexes and disruption of the functioning and structure of organs. The patient falls into a coma.

Acute hypoxia

The symptoms of oxygen deficiency are somewhat different for acute and chronic forms. In the case of fulminant oxygen starvation, not a single symptom has time to appear, because death occurs within 2-3 minutes. This condition is very dangerous and requires emergency help. The acute form of hypoxia develops within 2-3 hours and is characterized by the following symptoms:

• decrease in heart rate;
• change in total blood volume;
• breathing becomes irregular;
• coma and agony followed by death if hypoxia was not eliminated at the initial stage.

Chronic

This form of hypoxia is manifested by hypoxic syndrome. In this case, symptoms from the central nervous system are observed. The brain is sensitive to oxygen starvation. Foci of hemorrhage, necrosis and other signs of cell destruction develop in the tissues of the organ. At an early stage, these changes cause a person to experience a state of euphoria and motor restlessness.

As hypoxia progresses, the cerebral cortex is depressed. Symptoms resemble those of alcohol intoxication. The patient experiences the following sensations:

• convulsions;
• drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• involuntary passage of urine and feces;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• noise in ears;
• lethargy;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• lethargy.

With convulsions, the development of opisthotonus is possible - a condition in which a person arches, his neck and back muscles straighten, his head throws back, and his arms bend at the elbows. The pose resembles a “bridge” figure. In addition to signs of depression of the cerebral cortex, during hypoxia the following are observed:

• pain in the heart area;
• a sharp decrease in vascular tone;
• tachycardia;
• low body temperature;
• dyspnea;
• depression;
• drop in blood pressure;
• cyanosis - blueness of the skin;
• irregular breathing;
• delirium – “delirium tremens”;
• Korsakov's syndrome - loss of orientation, amnesia, replacement of real events with fictitious ones.

Types of hypoxia

According to the type of prevalence of oxygen starvation, hypoxia can be general or local. The broadest classification divides this condition into types depending on the etiology, i.e. reasons for occurrence. So, hypoxia happens:

1. Exogenous. Also called hypoxic hypoxia, which is caused by environmental factors. Pathology develops due to insufficient oxygen supply to the body.
2. Endogenous. Associated with third-party diseases or disorders.

Endogenous hypoxia is divided into several subtypes depending on the etiology. Each type has a specific cause:

1. Respiratory (pulmonary, respiratory). It develops due to obstructions in the area of ​​the pulmonary alveoli, which prevents hemoglobin from immediately contacting oxygen.
2. Circulatory. Occurs due to a disorder of circulatory processes. According to the mechanism of development, it is divided into ischemic and stagnant.
3. Hemic. It is observed with a rapid decrease in hemoglobin. Hemic hypoxia can be anemic or caused by a deterioration in the quality of hemoglobin.
4. Fabric. Associated with the cessation of oxygen absorption due to suppression of enzyme activity. Tissue hypoxia is observed with radiation, poisoning with toxic substances of microbes, carbon monoxide or salts heavy metals.
5. Substrate. Against the background of normal oxygen transportation, there is a lack of nutrients. More often seen in diabetes mellitus or long fasting.
6. Reloading. Occurs after heavy physical exertion.
7. Mixed. It is the most serious type and is observed in cases of serious life-threatening pathologies, for example, coma or poisoning.

The following classification divides hypoxia into types, taking into account the rate of development of oxygen starvation. The most dangerous is the one that manifests itself very quickly, because it often leads to death. In general, there are the following types of hypoxia:

• chronic – lasts from several weeks to a couple of years;
• subacute – develops within 5 hours;
• acute – lasts no more than 2 hours;
• lightning fast - lasts 2-3 minutes.

Degrees

Hypoxia is classified according to the severity of its symptoms and the severity of oxygen deficiency. Taking these factors into account, oxygen deficiency has the following degrees:

1. Critical. Hypoxic syndrome leads to coma or shock, may end in agony, fatal.
2. Heavy. The lack of oxygen is severe, the risk of developing comatose state.
3. Moderate. Clinical signs of hypoxia appear at rest.
4. Easy. Oxygen starvation occurs only during physical activity.

Consequences

Oxygen deficiency affects the functioning of all organs and systems. The consequences depend on the period in which the pathology was eliminated and how long it lasted. If the compensatory mechanisms have not yet been exhausted, and the oxygen deficiency has been eliminated, then no negative consequences will arise. When the pathology appears during the period of decompensation, complications are determined by the duration of oxygen starvation.

The brain suffers more from this condition, because without oxygen it can only withstand 3-4 minutes. The cells may then die. The liver, kidneys and heart are kept for about 30-40 minutes. The main consequences of oxygen deficiency:

• depletion of adaptation reserves;
• weakening of antitumor protection;
• decreased immunity;
• deterioration of memory and reaction speed;
• neuropsychiatric syndrome;
• psychosis;
• dementia;
• parkinsonism (shaking palsy);
• exercise intolerance;
• fatty degeneration of muscle cells, myocardium, and liver.

Consequences for the child

Oxygen deficiency is one of the common causes of not only fetal mortality, but also the appearance of developmental defects. The consequences depend on the trimester of pregnancy and the degree of oxygen deficiency:

1. First trimester. During this period, the laying of organs occurs, therefore, due to oxygen deficiency, a slowdown in the development of the embryo and the formation of anomalies are possible.
2. Second trimester. At this stage, problems arise with the baby’s adaptation and pathologies of the central nervous system. In the chronic form, the death of the child is possible.
3. Third trimester. Lack of oxygen provokes developmental delays during pregnancy. Serious damage to the baby's nervous system is also possible. During childbirth, oxygen deprivation causes asphyxia.

Consequences of fetal hypoxia in a child after birth

Experiencing oxygen deprivation after the birth of a baby seriously affects his health. The child becomes restless, easily excitable, and suffers from high muscle tone. The latter is expressed in frequent twitching of the legs or arms, convulsions, and trembling of the chin. Other symptoms include lethargy, frequent regurgitation and reluctance to latch on to the breast. A list of more serious consequences includes:

• stillbirth;
• death in the early postpartum period;
• impairment or delay of psychomotor and intellectual development;
• damage to blood vessels and heart;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• problems with the urinary organs;
• serious illnesses eye.

How to determine fetal hypoxia

You can suspect a lack of oxygen in a baby due to high motor activity. It is a reflex by which the child tries to restore normal blood flow and increase blood supply. A pregnant woman feels the following:

• violent movement of the baby;
• sudden strong shocks that cause pain and discomfort;
• with increasing oxygen deficiency, a gradual weakening of the tremors, which may disappear completely.

At the last sign, a woman should be wary. In general, fetal activity in the antenatal clinic is observed from the 28th week of pregnancy. When determining intrauterine oxygen deficiency, doctors use the following methods:

1. Listening to heart sounds. For this purpose, a stethoscope is used - a special obstetric device. It allows you to evaluate the tone, rhythm and heart rate, and notice extraneous noise.
2. Cardiotocography. Represents a fixation on paper heart rate using a special ultrasonic sensor.
3. Doppler. It consists of studying abnormalities in blood flow between the fetus and the woman. The method helps determine the severity of oxygen starvation.

In addition to the basic methods, laboratory blood tests are used to check hormone levels and biochemical composition. To confirm hypoxia, amniotic fluid is examined for the presence of original feces - meconium. It indicates relaxation of the baby's rectal muscles due to lack of oxygen. This diagnostic method plays important role with an increase in labor activity. The entire birth process will depend on it.

Treatment

In most cases, a mixed form of oxygen deficiency is noted. For this reason, the treatment approach must be comprehensive. To maintain the supply of oxygen to cells, hyperbaric oxygenation is used - a procedure for pumping this gas into the lungs under pressure. It provides:

• dissolution of oxygen directly in the blood without binding to red blood cells;
• delivery of oxygen to all tissues and organs;
• dilation of blood vessels in the heart and brain;
• organs work at full capacity.

For the circulatory form, taking heart medications and medications that increase blood pressure is indicated. In case of blood loss incompatible with life, a blood transfusion is required. Hemic hypoxia, in addition to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is treated with following procedures:

• blood or red blood cell transfusions;
• administration of drugs that perform the functions of enzymes;
• plasmapheresis and hemosorption (blood purification);
• administration of oxygen carriers, glucose or steroid hormones.

During pregnancy, treatment of oxygen deficiency is aimed at normalizing blood circulation in the placenta. This helps ensure that nutrients and oxygen reach the fetus. Preparations and methods used:

• relax the myometrium;
• improve rheological blood parameters;
• dilate the uteroplacental vessels;
• stimulate metabolism in the placenta and myometrium.

Every day a woman needs to breathe a mixture of oxygen and air. Medicines are prescribed only by a doctor. A specialist may prescribe the following medications:

• Szigetin;
• Trental;
• Methionine;
• Heparin;
• Chime;
• Vitamins E and C;
• glutamic acid;
• Haloscarbine;
• Lipostabil.

In case of oxygen starvation at 28-32 weeks, emergency delivery is necessary. The same applies to the deterioration of biochemical blood parameters, the appearance of amniotic fluid meconium, oligohydramnios. As preparation for obstetric or surgical resolution of childbirth, the following is used:

• breathing with humidified oxygen;
• intravenous administration of glucose;
• introduction of Sigetin, Cocarboxylase and ascorbic acid, Euphyllin.

If oxygen deficiency is suspected at birth, the baby is immediately provided with medical assistance. Mucus and fluid are removed from the respiratory tract, the child is warmed, and, if necessary, resuscitation measures are carried out to ensure that the threat to life is eliminated. When the newborn's condition has stabilized, he is placed in a pressure chamber. There he obtains nutrient solutions. As you grow older, excitability, convulsions, twitching of arms and legs gradually stop, but at 5-6 months a relapse of the pathology is possible.

Prevention of hypoxia

Measures to prevent oxygen starvation are aimed at preventing conditions that lead to this. A person should lead an active lifestyle, walk more often, play sports and eat right. Chronic diseases need to be treated on time. When working in stuffy rooms, they must be regularly ventilated. Prevention during pregnancy is as follows:

• drinking oxygen cocktails;
• swimming;
• singing (develops proper breathing);
• doing normal household chores (a regimen with minor physical activity supplies the muscles with oxygen);
• ensuring a calm environment;
• walks in the open air;
• full healthy sleep;
• a balanced diet with foods rich in potassium, iron, iodine;
• tracking fetal movements (normally, the baby moves about 10 times a day);