Oxygen starvation doctors call hypoxia. This condition occurs as a result of insufficient oxygen supply to the human body. Also, the cause may be various disruptions in its functioning - there are situations when cells fail to absorb oxygen. In any case, the body's cells do not receive enough oxygen.

The first symptoms of oxygen starvation of the brain must be responded to immediately. Signs of starvation of the human brain from oxygen deficiency in the first stages may be almost imperceptible, but subsequently can cause irreparable damage to the entire body.

A person experiences a sharp excitement in the body, an increase in adrenaline and a state of euphoria. Then, this state quickly turns into lethargy, lethargy and fatigue. After a surge of strength, people feel very tired and apathetic. In this state, you feel very dizzy, your heart rate increases, cold sweat appears, and convulsions may occur.
Sudden deterioration of memory, a person may not be able to navigate his location and suddenly forget where he was going and what he wanted to do. People experience confusion and even disorientation. This state passes quickly, having calmed down, people do not pay attention to it special attention, attributing your condition to fatigue, overwork or prolonged fasting.
Symptoms of hypoxia can be caused by sudden headache. This occurs due to pressure differences and a long stay in a stuffy room.
Impaired sensitivity in various parts bodies. An arm or leg may not obey, or involuntarily perform uncontrollable actions. After recovery, people experience feelings of lethargy and pain in their limbs.
Nervousness increases sharply. A person wants to cry or laugh for no apparent reason.
Symptoms of brain oxygen deficiency include sleep disturbance. People suffer from insomnia. Often wake up in the middle of the night and for a long time can't sleep.
General fatigue of the body. The person feels overwhelmed and cannot concentrate on certain work. Irritability and aggression appear.
Violation of visual and speech functions of the body. People cannot pronounce a few words coherently.

Oxygen starvation of the brain can be caused by a long stay at great depths, being at a height, being in a very polluted room, a severe lack of oxygen or asphyxia, or being in a stuffy room for a long time.

All symptoms indicate a sharp deterioration in brain performance and can lead to serious disruptions in the functioning of the entire human body. It is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms of oxygen starvation of the brain and immediately contact a specialist. Early diagnosis and timely treatment will prevent deeper diseases.

The reasons for oxygen starvation of the body are different. This condition may occur:

when the volume of oxygen in the air that a person inhales decreases (this phenomenon is observed when climbing mountains or when staying in poorly ventilated rooms);
when there is a mechanical obstacle to the flow of air into a person’s lungs (observed when the airways are closed with water or vomit, when the nasal passages are narrowed as a result allergic reaction);
in case of poisoning carbon monoxide;
with large blood loss;
when taking certain medications;
with a lack of vitamin B2 as a result of liver cirrhosis or hepatitis.

In addition, a condition in which oxygen starvation occurs in the brain, as well as the heart, causes ischemic disease, thrombosis, vascular spasms and smoking.

In any case, a person suffering from oxygen starvation of the brain needs emergency assistance. When the first symptoms appear, you must immediately call a doctor, and before his arrival, provide the patient with an influx of fresh air. You need to unbutton tight clothes, do artificial respiration, pour the water out of the lungs, take it out of the smoky room into fresh air.

Doctors then ensure that the body is oxygenated. In particularly severe situations, a blood transfusion may be needed. If necessary, a person is prescribed decongestants, as well as various therapeutic procedures. To treat hypoxia in newborns, they are placed in a special chamber and resuscitation measures, introduce nutrient solutions.

The brain cannot tell the heart to beat faster or slower. The functioning of the heart is controlled by the cells of the body's tissues. Oxygen serves as a tool for controlling heart pulsation. When there is a lack of oxygen, cells require blood saturated with it. The heart speeds up its work and muscle tension. This increases the speed of blood flow and blood pressure.

As soon as the required amount of oxygen arrives, the cells relieve their demands, and the heart switches to a calm mode of operation, the pain subsides. Only daily gymnastics, feasible physical work and proper nutrition can ensure good capillary permeability. A person must provide good health spend 1/10 of your daily time every day.

When you inhale, air enters the lungs and expands the alveoli. If the inhalation is weak, it moves apart small part alveoli, and not the entire surface blood vessels comes into contact with the incoming air. In this case, the lungs will not provide the body's need for oxygen.

With a large, energetic inhalation, the alveoli will be pressed against each other, the blood vessels will be compressed, their area in contact with the air will decrease, and the movement of blood in them will slow down. Blood oxygen saturation will be low - acute oxygen starvation will occur. The person may become dizzy and lose consciousness. You need a comfortable, free breath that fills the lungs completely.

Weak inhalation and excessive filling of the lungs with air cause unsatisfactory oxygen saturation of the blood.

Everyday breathing is breathing in which a constant sequence of inhalation, exhalation and pause is observed. This is common, a person breathes this way from birth to death, but the body’s need for oxygen is not always met.

Oxygen starvation of the body occurs when the oxygen content in the inhaled air decreases, the body is in a painful state, metabolism in cells is activated, heavy physical work is performed, nervous overstrain, eating more than normal and aging of the body. A person does not immediately feel oxygen starvation. He does not pay attention to discomfort in the body, malaise, changes in blood pressure and pulse, profuse sweating, unexpected pain in the heart and head, etc.

With temporary oxygen starvation, the blood pressure, arrhythmia, headaches and heart pain occur, vision and hearing deteriorate, and the body’s self-defense functions decrease.

With prolonged oxygen starvation, in addition to the symptoms of temporary oxygen starvation, diseases arise:

hearts, circulatory system(angina pectoris, heart failure, heart attack, varicose veins veins), brain (stroke), etc.;
metabolism in cells - obesity, diabetes, liver diseases, etc.;
body defense systems (tumors of various etiologies).

Prolonged oxygen deprivation suppresses the body's ability to heal itself.

Hypoxia or speaking in simple language- oxygen starvation of the brain is a serious disease that requires diagnosis and treatment. Hypoxia blocks the flow of oxygen to nerve connections. In the case where there are no symptoms of dysfunction, the brain can withstand 4 seconds of acute hypoxia; just a few seconds after the cessation of blood supply, the person loses consciousness; after 30 seconds, the person falls into a coma.

The most serious outcome of this violation is the death of a person. Therefore, it is important to know the main causes of oxygen starvation of the brain and the symptoms that will help to identify the first signs of the disorder and avoid serious consequences and long-term treatment.

There are 3 types of hypoxia:

Fulminant hypoxia – development occurs quickly, within a few seconds and minutes;

Acute hypoxia - lasts for several hours, the cause may be a heart attack, poisoning;

Chronic deficiency - develops long time, the causes are heart failure, cerebral atherosclerosis, heart disease.

Oxygen deficiency in the brain can be caused by several reasons:

Respiratory – the brain is not able to receive the proper amount of oxygen due to impaired respiratory processes. Examples include diseases such as pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and chest trauma.

Cardiovascular – a violation of blood circulation in the brain. Causes may include: shock, thrombosis. Normalizing the functioning of the heart and blood vessels helps prevent the development of cerebral stroke.

Hypoxic – oxygen starvation, which occurs when oxygen in the air decreases. The most striking example is climbers who, when climbing a mountain, most clearly feel the lack of oxygen.

Blood – with this factor, oxygen transport is disrupted. The main reason is anemia.

Tissue – development occurs due to disruption of oxygen transport. The cause may be poisons or medications that could destroy or block enzyme systems.

Symptoms of lack of oxygen in the brain may manifest differently in each person. In one patient, sensitivity may decrease, lethargy may appear, and in another, headaches may begin.

The main symptoms of oxygen starvation of the brain:

Dizziness, possibility of loss of consciousness due to inhibition of activity nervous system. The patient experiences severe attacks of nausea and vomiting;
Visual impairment, darkness in the eyes.
Change in skin color. The skin turns pale or red. The brain reacts and tries to restore blood flow, resulting in cold sweat.
Adrenaline increases, after which muscle weakness and lethargy occurs in the patient. A person ceases to control his movements and actions.
Irritability, resentment appear, depression and other mental disorders develop.
Inattention, the patient has difficulty absorbing information, mental performance decreases.

The final stage of the disease with oxygen starvation is the development of coma, and then soon respiratory and cardiac arrest.

If the patient receives timely medical care, all body functions can be restored.

To determine the patient's current condition and whether he is truly sick, a number of medical tests are required.

These include:

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. This method shows the consequences of oxygen deficiency. With this method, you can see areas of the brain where sufficiently saturated oxygen enters.

Ultrasound is a method that allows you to determine deviations from the norm during the development of a child in the womb. Allows you to determine oxygen starvation at the initial stage.

Complete blood count and clinical tests for acid-base balance.

General and selective angiography.

Treatment of oxygen deficiency primarily involves restoring the required supply of oxygen to the brain.

If there is a lack of oxygen in the brain, the following measures are prescribed:

Maintenance normal operation cardiovascular and respiratory systems;
Drugs to improve blood circulation in the brain;
Antihypoxanes;
Decongestants;
Bronchodilators.

Also held radical treatment illness when the patient is already in serious condition. This treatment includes: blood transfusion, installation of an oxygen mask, procedures for resuscitation of the patient.

Preventing a disease is always easier than treating it. For normal oxygen intake into the body, you just need to follow the recommendations of specialists. These tips can be used both for the prevention and treatment of oxygen deficiency.

Key tips include:

Fresh air . Walks should take at least 2 hours, preferably before bedtime. It is better to take walks in environmentally friendly places (parks, forests).

Sport. Light exercise in the morning promotes better blood circulation, and if you do it outside, the effect will be doubled.

Correct daily routine. You need to normalize your routine, allocate the required time for rest and sleep. To normalize processes in the body, you need to devote at least 7-8 hours to sleep. Don't forget to warm up if you work at a desk.

Proper nutrition. For the normal supply of oxygen to the brain, nutrition plays an important role. The diet should consist of large quantity vegetables and fruits. Food should be consumed rich in iron(buckwheat, meat, dried fruits), while dairy products and coffee consumption must be kept to a minimum.

No stress. Try to avoid stressful situations and don’t worry in vain.

One of the most convenient and simple ways disease prevention is breathing exercises. This method is very easy to use and does not require any additional effort.

Some useful exercises that are worth taking note:

Relax completely, take a 4-second deep breath, then hold your breath for the same time and exhale slowly. Repeat about 12-15 times. After 1 month, increase the time of inhalation and exhalation.

Take a deep breath and take at least 6-7 short exhalations through your nose. The mouth remains closed. Repeat 3-4 times.

It is advisable to repeat these exercises 2 to 4 times a day.

Symptoms of lack of oxygen in the brain can appear in a newborn during the period when the baby is still in the womb, or immediately during childbirth. Hypoxia in a severe stage, not rarely, can lead to serious consequences for both mother and baby.

Of these we can note:

Premature birth;

Intrauterine death of a child;

Stillbirth;

Severe disability of the child.

Reasons why these severe consequences may occur in children:

Cardiovascular problems vascular system;

Intrauterine infections;

Improper lifestyle (alcohol, cigarettes, drugs);

Fetal pathology;

Birth injuries.

Oxygen deficiency, as a diagnosis, is made in approximately 15% of pregnancies.

Most often, brain hypoxia in a child develops due to the mother’s poor lifestyle, drinking alcohol, and smoking.

Therefore, in order for your child to grow up as a healthy and strong child, you should give up bad habits.

A state of oxygen deprivation can lead to pathological changes. Violated brain activity and basic brain functions.

Whether the prognosis is favorable depends on the degree of brain damage and at what stage the disease was discovered.

A person's chances of recovery also depend on his current condition. With a prolonged coma, the basic functions of the body are impaired and the chance of recovery becomes very low.

With a short-term coma, the chances of rehabilitation are very high. However, treatment may take quite some time.

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 those that reduce 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 a large list of drugs, from the well-known analgin to completely unfamiliar names, each of which has its own pharmacological action. 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, 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: pills, 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.

For general or local hypoxia of various natures, a method of physiotherapeutic treatment such as oxygen therapy is used. Most frequent indications its use is respiratory failure, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases. Exist various ways 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: grind cereals 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 medicinal fees from coltsfoot, pine buds, plantain, licorice root, elderberry flowers. Hemoglobin levels can be raised with the help of herbs such as nettle, yarrow, dandelion, and wormwood.

In combination with the main treatment, they are increasingly present homeopathic remedies. 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 treatment 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.

The brain is the organ that consumes the largest amount of oxygen from the blood circulating throughout the body. Therefore, it is very sensitive to hypoxia or oxygen starvation. Nerve cells are sensitive to hypoxia. Lack of oxygen in the brain is manifested by the following symptoms:

Dizziness.
Weakness.
Fainting.
Malfunctions of the heart.
Pale skin.
Darkening of the eyes or white flies.
Visual impairment.
Coma.
Nausea.
Headache.

Find out what hypoxia is: types of oxygen starvation.

Degrees of hypoxia in newborns: diagnosis and treatment, how to avoid serious consequences.

Dizziness is one of the early symptoms of lack of oxygen in the brain. In this case, the activity of the vestibular apparatus is disrupted in a person, and tinnitus is possible. Dizziness is often accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting. Weakness often appears, the patient looks pale, his eyes darken or white spots appear.

During hypoxia, the entire body suffers, and the heart tries to compensate for the hypoxic state by increasing the frequency of contractions. Therefore, tachycardia occurs, interruptions in heart function, and increased apical impulse.

With a more serious and prolonged lack of oxygen in the brain, a symptom such as loss of consciousness occurs. It can be short-term and superficial, as in fainting, or deep and prolonged, as in coma. A long stay in a coma aggravates the hypoxic state, as the work of the respiratory center in the brain stem is upset and inhibited.

Important! How long does the brain live without oxygen? Without blood supply, he will endure no more than 5–6 minutes. Next comes biological death ascertained by a doctor.

If nerve cells died, the following violations may occur:

Post-stroke depression.
Loss of memory and skills.
Increased irritability.

Hypoxia has many causes: chronic diseases, prolonged physical activity, acute conditions. The main factors in the development of hypoxia of the central nervous system:

Disorder of general circulation: shock, collapse.
Cerebrovascular accident.
Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system.
Anemia.
Cardiovascular diseases: VSD, stenosis, heart valve insufficiency.
Endocrine diseases: diabetes mellitus, hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

Shock occurs when the body does not have normal blood supply to organs. This occurs with heavy blood loss, anaphylactic reactions (allergies), burns with plasmorrhagia (leakage of plasma), dehydration, severe heart failure, toxic shock.

Hemorrhagic shock is a circulatory disorder after massive blood loss. Blood circulation is centralized so that there is enough blood flow to the most vital organs: the heart, the brain.

The body is able to compensate for some of the blood volume deficit by activating the sympathoadrenal and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems. These hormonal systems constrict peripheral blood vessels, retain water in the body, and also stimulate the heart. These processes occur with all types of shock. When blood loss occurs, hematopoiesis is activated.

Collapse is a condition in which peripheral vessels are dilated due to a decrease in their tone. Shock states and collapse equally have a detrimental effect on nerve cells, causing oxygen starvation and loss of consciousness.

These include:

Hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.
Transient ischemic attack.
Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels.
Vascular spasm or dilatation.

Hemorrhagic stroke is usually caused by excess blood pressure on fragile vessels. In this case, the artery ruptures and hemorrhage occurs. As a result, the delivery of blood to a certain part of the central nervous system stops, and he dies.

At ischemic stroke the cause is usually arterial thrombosis. If the clot does not dissolve, it closes the artery and blood flow is blocked.

A transient ischemic attack occurs when blood circulation in the carotid arteries running from the neck to the head is disrupted. In this case, a temporary shutdown of the blood supply occurs, the person feels dizzy, and spots flash before the eyes.

Atherosclerotic vasoconstriction impairs blood circulation. At the same time, the patient’s hair turns gray early, and yellow spots There are cholesterol deposits on the eyelids.

Spasm of blood vessels in the head is usually a consequence psychological stress. The release of adrenaline and cortisol leads to a sharp narrowing of the arteries. Vasodilation occurs during migraines and cluster pain. They may be caused by acidosis or acidification of the internal environment, or allergic conditions.

Chronic diseases of the lungs and bronchi lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. In this case, the color of the skin in patients may be pale bluish, with the nose, ears, fingers and toes being more intensely colored. A sign of chronic hypoxia - fingers in the form drumsticks, nails look like watch glasses.

Diseases of the respiratory system that cause a hypoxic state include:

Obstructive bronchitis.
Asthma.
Pneumosclerosis.
Emphysema.

Hypoxic-ischemic genesis of perinatal pathology of the central nervous system: development mechanism, symptoms.

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Vegetative-vascular dystonia and heart failure cause hypoxia in the nervous system. In this case, weakness occurs, fainting and profuse sweating are also possible.

To increase resistance to hypoxia, antihypoxants are used, such as:

Preductal (Mildronate).
Trimetazidine.
Cytoflavin.
Cerebrolysin.
Actovegin.
Vitamins B1, B9, B12.

How to saturate the brain with oxygen? This can be done in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, where oxygen is supplied at elevated pressure. The nervous system is sensitive to oxygen starvation and cannot tolerate it for long without consequences. If you have the above symptoms, you need to consult a neurologist.

Hypoxia (oxygen starvation)

Oxygen starvation in medicine has the term hypoxia. This pathology is not considered a disease or syndrome; it is a condition in which the body does not receive enough oxygen. There are different forms of hypoxia. The consequences of the body’s reaction depend on the type of pathology.

Oxygen starvation

For the normal functioning of organs and systems, the cells of the human body must be constantly saturated with oxygen. If there is a failure in this process, it cannot be done without consequences.

Not everyone has a correct understanding of what it is: hypoxia. Most people believe that oxygen starvation can only occur if a person is deprived of the ability to breathe for a long time, but this is not entirely true. Oxygen deficiency can also occur for internal reasons.

Oxygen starvation or brain hypoxia is a severe pathological condition of the human body, in which an insufficient amount of oxygen enters the cells

Lack of oxygen most often causes a disease such as cardiac hypoxia. A feature of the pathology is damage to the ventricles of the heart. With cardiac hypoxia, a stroke or myocardial infarction often occurs.

In medicine, there is a special term – myocardial hypoxia (MH). The pathological process affects the right or left ventricle. The main reason is a lack of oxygen in the tissues of the heart. The consequence of GM is cell death (necrosis).

Causes

Insufficient oxygen supply to myocardial tissue can be caused by various reasons, including external factors and diseases associated with the transport of substances through blood vessels.

There are five main groups of negative factors.

Exogenous– lack of air in the room. If you spend a long time in a room where there is no “fresh” air, the likelihood of developing heart failure is high.
Respiratory– disruption of the flow of air through the respiratory tract from the outside. For example, in case of suffocation or drowning.
Histotoxic– impaired oxygen absorption by tissues due to heavy metal or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Severe hypoxia can lead to coma or death

Circulatory- lack of substances resulting from blockage of blood vessels.
Mixed– the influence of several factors simultaneously or the sequential influence of several causes.

Hypoxia, according to statistics, is more often observed in men, but representatives of both sexes are susceptible to this pathology.

Attention! In case of oxygen starvation, it is important not to delay in providing medical care. Probability fatal outcome Pretty big.

Signs of oxygen starvation

Symptoms of myocardial hypoxia can have absolutely different signs. However, there is no significant difference when one or the other ventricle is affected.

Signs of cardiac oxygen deficiency depend on several factors:

forms of pathology;
degree of expression;
duration of oxygen-free state.

By ignoring the symptoms of oxygen deprivation of the brain, you are seriously endangering your health

Hypoxic condition can occur in several forms. Exactly what type pathological process observed in the patient, the manifestation of symptoms and treatment methods depend.

There are four forms:

instantaneous - occurs instantly in two to three minutes;
acute – can develop from twenty minutes to 2 hours;
subacute – progresses over three to five hours;
chronic is the mildest form that can last for years.

The instant form is considered the most dangerous. As a rule, it is precisely when it occurs that acute pathological damage to the heart develops.

General signs

Symptoms of a pathological condition with a lack of oxygen have characteristic manifestations:

increased heart rate and irregular heartbeat;
fibrillation (the occurrence of ventricular or atrium flutter);
constant feeling of weakness and fatigue;
the appearance of shortness of breath or uneven breathing and others.

If you have to stay indoors for a long time - frequent ventilation at any time of the year

When oxygen starvation occurs, the work of the heart is disrupted, so the pathological condition is clearly displayed on the cardiogram.

Important! In acute or immediate form of pathology, you should pay attention to the symptoms preceding myocardial infarction (chest pain, panic attack, dizziness and rapid heartbeat).

Hypoxia: treatment

It is impossible to cope with myocardial hypoxia without determining the reasons why insufficient oxygen supply to the body occurs.

Treatment can be carried out using several methods:

drug therapy;
surgical intervention;
ethnoscience.

Surgical intervention is used only in extreme cases, when oxygen starvation is caused by heart disease.

Therapeutic methods

Drug therapy involves taking medicines. Medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor, after undergoing diagnostics and determining the clinical picture.

Brain hypoxia is a serious pathological condition of the body, so treatment should be carried out at the first symptoms

To alleviate myocardial hypoxia, drug treatment includes taking the following groups of drugs:

antihypoxants (Mexidol, Neoton, Mildronate, etc.);
sedatives;
calcium blockers;
adrenergic blockers.

Medications help reduce the intensity of symptoms and help normalize metabolic processes.

Blood transfusions and plasmapheresis are also used. The essence of these procedures is to introduce “renewed” (new) oxygenated blood into the body.

Traditional methods

In cases where oxygen starvation of the cardiac system does not have a significant degree of insufficiency, it is possible, together with using medicinal methods use the recommendations of traditional medicine.

Treatment for myocardial hypoxia is folk remedies, contributing to the normalization of the vascular system. The main remedy that has proven itself with positive side, is considered to be a hawthorn tincture.

tinctures of rosehip, woodlice or lingonberry;
natural birch sap (take 0.5 liters per day);
tea with linden or lemon balm.

Traditional methods include:

getting rid of bad habits;
regular walks in parks, forests, etc.;
following a diet that reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

People suffering from hypoxia or undergoing a period of rehabilitation after sudden oxygen deprivation are recommended complete calm, a change of climate (when living in an urban area) and trips to sanatoriums located in environmentally friendly areas. A trip to the sea will also be useful.

And a little about secrets...

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Education: Volgograd State University medical University Level of education: Higher. Faculty: Medical...

Oxygen starvation of the brain or hypoxia occurs due to a disruption in the supply of oxygen to its tissues. The brain is the organ with the greatest need for oxygen. A quarter of all inhaled air goes to serving the brain’s need for it, and 4 minutes without it becomes critical for life. Oxygen enters the brain through a complex blood supply system and is then utilized by its cells. Any disturbances in this system lead to oxygen starvation.

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ICD-10 code

G93 Other brain lesions

I67.3 Progressive vascular leukoencephalopathy

Epidemiology

Due to the variety of forms of pathological conditions inherent in oxygen starvation, it is difficult to determine its prevalence. Based on the reasons that give rise to it, the number of people who have experienced this condition is very large. But the statistics of oxygen starvation in newborns are more definite and disappointing: fetal hypoxia is observed in 10 cases out of 100.

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Causes of oxygen starvation of the brain

There are various reasons for the occurrence of oxygen starvation of the brain. These include:

decrease in oxygen in environment(when climbing mountains, indoors, in spacesuits or submarines);
disruption respiratory organs(asthma, pneumonia, chest injuries, tumors);
disruption of blood circulation in the brain (arterial atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism);
impaired oxygen transport (lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin);
blockade of enzyme systems involved in tissue respiration.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of oxygen starvation is a change in the structure vascular walls, disruption of their permeability, which leads to cerebral edema. Depending on the reasons that caused hypoxia, pathogenesis develops according to a different algorithm. Thus, with exogenous factors, this process begins with arterial hypoxemia - a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood, which entails hypocapnia - insufficiency carbon dioxide, which disrupts the biochemical balance in it. The next chain of negative processes is alkalosis - a failure of the acid-base balance in the body. At the same time, blood flow in the brain and coronary arteries is disrupted, and blood pressure drops.

Endogenous causes due to pathological conditions body, cause arterial hypoxemia along with hypercapnia ( increased content carbon dioxide) and acidosis (increase in oxidation products of organic acids). Different types of hypoxia have their own scenarios of pathological changes.

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Symptoms of oxygen starvation of the brain

The first signs of oxygen deficiency appear in the excitation of the nervous system: breathing and heart rate increase, euphoria sets in, cold sweat appears on the face and limbs, motor restlessness. Then the condition changes dramatically: lethargy, drowsiness, headache, darkening of the eyes, and depression of consciousness appear. A person experiences dizziness, develops constipation, possible muscle cramps and fainting, and the onset of coma. The most severe degree of coma is deep disturbances of the central nervous system: lack of brain activity, muscle hypotension, respiratory arrest with a beating heart.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults

Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults can develop as a result of stroke, when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, hypovolemic shock - a significant decrease in the volume of circulating blood that occurs with large blood loss, uncompensated loss of plasma in burns, peritonitis, pancreatitis, congestion large volume blood for injuries, dehydration and diarrhea. This condition is characterized by decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea and dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in children and newborns

Analyzing the various factors causing oxygen starvation and the fact that it can accompany many diseases, it becomes clear that children are also affected in the affected area. Anemia, fire burns and chemical substances, gas poisoning, heart failure, various injuries, swelling of the larynx due to an allergic reaction, etc. But most often this diagnosis is given to children at birth.

Diagnosis of oxygen starvation of the brain

Diagnosis of oxygen starvation of the brain is carried out on the basis of patient complaints, if possible, data from the words of relatives, laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out.

The patient's condition is assessed based on indicators general analysis blood. Indicators such as red blood cells, ESR, hematocrit, leukocytes, platelets, reticulocytes are analyzed. An analysis of the blood composition will also determine the acid-base balance of the body, the gas composition of the venous and arterial blood, which means it will indicate a diseased organ.

To the very available methods instrumental diagnostics This includes pulse oximetry - a special device worn on a finger measures the level of oxygen saturation in the blood (the optimal level is 95-98%). Other means are an electroencephalogram, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, an electrocardiogram, and rheovasography, which determines the volume of blood flow and its intensity in the arterial vessels.

Differential diagnosis

Treatment of oxygen starvation of the brain

Medicines

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

Bupranal is a solution in ampoules for intramuscular and intravenous injections, in syringe tubes for intramuscular injection. The maximum daily dose is 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.

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.

Vitamins

Physiotherapeutic treatment

For general or local hypoxia of various natures, a method of physiotherapeutic treatment such as oxygen therapy is used. The most common indications for its use are respiratory failure, circulatory disorders, and 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.

Traditional treatment

One of the recipes for folk 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.

Garlic tincture will help strengthen blood vessels and reduce their spasms: 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.

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Herbal treatment

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.

Homeopathy

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, a 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 in pure form or in 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.

Surgery

Prevention

Prevention of oxygen starvation primarily consists of organizing a healthy everyday life, which includes normal nutrition, moderate physical activity, good sleep, absence of stressful situations, giving up smoking and alcohol, finding enough time in the fresh air. It is necessary to monitor blood pressure, undergo timely preventive courses for existing diseases.

Oxygen starvation, or hypoxia, is a pathological process associated with insufficient oxygen supply to cells due to a lack of it in the surrounding atmosphere, disorders of the blood or the cells themselves. Hypoxia can manifest itself in both acute and chronic forms, but always requires immediate recognition and treatment due to possible irreversible consequences for the body.

Hypoxia is not separate disease or syndrome. This is a general pathological process that underlies a variety of diseases and is caused by an extraordinary variety of reasons, ranging from the composition of the surrounding air to pathology. individual species cells of the human body.

Oxygen starvation, although it has certain symptoms, is nevertheless a nonspecific process that can play a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Hypoxia occurs in adults, newborns, and intrauterine growing fetuses and has fairly stereotypical structural manifestations that differ only in severity.

In the initial phase of oxygen deficiency, compensatory and adaptive mechanisms are activated, implemented mainly by cardiovascular system, respiratory organs, intracellular biochemical reactions. As long as these mechanisms are working, the body does not feel a lack of oxygenation. As they become exhausted, a phase of decompensation begins with a developed picture of tissue hypoxia and its complications.

Clinical compensation acute oxygen starvation is achieved by increasing heart rate and respiration, increasing pressure and cardiac output, releasing reserve red blood cells from storage organs; if necessary, the body “centralizes” blood circulation, directing blood to the most vulnerable and hypoxia-sensitive tissues - the brain and myocardium. The rest of the organs are able to tolerate the lack of oxygen relatively painlessly for some time.

If blood gas balance is restored before defense mechanisms exhausted, the victim of hypoxia can count on a full recovery. Otherwise, irreversible intracellular structural changes will begin, and it will most likely not be possible to avoid the consequences.

At chronic oxygen deficiency the protection mechanism is somewhat different: the number of constantly circulating red blood cells increases, the proportion of hemoglobin and enzymes in them increases, the alveolar and vascular networks of the lungs expand, breathing becomes deeper, the myocardium thickens, maintaining sufficient cardiac output. Tissues acquire a more extensive microcirculatory network, and cells acquire additional mitochondria. When these mechanisms are decompensated, active production of collagen by connective tissue cells begins, ending in diffuse sclerosis and degeneration of organ cells.

In prognostic terms, acute hypoxia seems to be more dangerous due to the fact that compensation reserves are temporary, and the body does not have time to adapt to a new breathing mode, therefore untimely treatment threatens with serious consequences and even death. Chronic oxygen starvation, on the contrary, causes persistent adaptive reactions, therefore, this condition can last for years, the organs will perform their function even with the phenomena of moderate sclerosis and dystrophy.

Types of oxygen starvation

The classification of hypoxic conditions has been revised many times, however general principle it was preserved. It is based on identifying the cause of the pathology and determining the level of damage to the respiratory chain. Depending on the etiopathogenetic mechanism, there are:

Exogenous oxygen starvation - associated with external conditions;
Endogenous form - for diseases internal organs, endocrine system, blood, etc.

Endogenous hypoxia occurs:

Respiratory;
Circulatory - with damage to the myocardium and blood vessels, dehydration, blood loss, thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
Hemic - due to pathology of red blood cells, hemoglobin, enzyme systems of red blood cells, with erythropenia, lack of hemoglobin (anemic), poisoning with poisons that block hemoglobin, the use of certain medications (aspirin, citramon, novocaine, Vicasol, etc.);
Tissue - due to the inability of cells to absorb blood oxygen due to disorders in various parts of the respiratory chain under conditions of normal oxygenation;
Substrate - occurs due to a lack of substances that serve as a substrate for oxidation during tissue respiration (hunger, diabetes);
Overload - a variant of physiological oxygen starvation due to excessive physical activity, when oxygen reserves and the capabilities of the respiratory system become insufficient;
Mixed.

According to the speed of development of the pathology, there are fulminant forms (up to 3 minutes), acute (up to 2 hours), subacute (up to 5 hours) and chronic, which can last for years. In addition, hypoxia can be general and local.

Why is oxygen becoming scarce?

The development of oxygen starvation is based on exogenous and endogenous causes. External ones are caused by a lack of oxygen in the air, which can be clean, but mountainous, urban, but dirty.

Exogenous hypoxia appears when:

Low oxygen content in the inhaled air - Mountain landscape, frequent flights (for pilots);
Being in a confined space with a large number of people, in a mine, wells, on a submarine, etc., when there is no communication with the open air;
Inadequate ventilation of premises;
Working under water, wearing a gas mask;
Dirty atmosphere, gas pollution in large industrial cities;
Breakdown of equipment for anesthesia and artificial pulmonary ventilation.

Endogenous hypoxia related to internal unfavorable conditions predisposing to a lack of oxygen in the blood:

As you can see, the causes of endogenous oxygen starvation are extremely diverse. It is difficult to name an organ whose damage would not in one way or another affect cell respiration. Particularly severe changes occur with pathology of red blood cells and hemoglobin, blood loss, damage to the respiratory center, and acute occlusion of the pulmonary arteries.

In addition to hypoxia in adults, it is also possible lack of oxygen in the fetus during intrauterine development or a newborn baby. The reasons are considered to be:

Diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver, respiratory organs in the expectant mother;
Severe anemia of the pregnant woman;
Late with pathology of hemocoagulation and microcirculation;
Alcoholism, drug addiction of the expectant mother;
Intrauterine infection;
Anomalies of the placenta and umbilical vessels;
Congenital deformities;
Anomalies labor activity, trauma during childbirth, placental abruption, umbilical cord entanglement.

Structural changes and symptoms due to lack of oxygen

With a lack of oxygen in the tissues, characteristic ischemic-hypoxic changes develop. Brain damage is caused by disorders with aggregation of erythrocytes, impregnation of the walls of blood vessels with plasma and their necrotic changes. As a result, vascular permeability increases, the liquid part of the blood enters the perivascular space, giving rise to edema.

Severe lack of oxygen in the blood contributes to irreversible changes in neurons, their vacuolization, chromosome disintegration and necrosis. The more severe the hypoxia, the more pronounced the degeneration and necrosis, and the pathology of the cells can increase even after the cause of the lack of oxygen has been eliminated.

Thus, with severe hypoxia, several days after oxygenation is restored, irreversible degenerative processes begin in neurons that had not previously had structural changes. Then these cells are absorbed by phagocytes, and softening areas appear in the parenchyma of the organ - voids in place of destroyed cells. In the future, this threatens chronic and.

Chronic hypoxia is accompanied by a lower intensity of necrotic reactions, but provokes the proliferation of glial elements that play a supporting and trophic role. Such gliosis is the basis.

changes in the brain in chronic dyscirculatory encephalopathy

Depending on the depth of oxygen deficiency in tissues, it is customary to distinguish several degrees of severity of pathology:

Mild - signs of hypoxia become noticeable only during physical activity;
Moderate - symptoms occur even at rest;
Severe - severe hypoxia with dysfunction of internal organs, brain symptoms; precedes coma;
Critical - coma, shock, agony and death of the victim.

Lack of oxygen in the body is manifested mainly by neurological disorders, the severity of which depends on the depth of hypoxia. As metabolic disorders worsen, the pathogenetic chain involves the kidneys, liver, and myocardium, the parenchyma of which is also extremely sensitive to lack of oxygenation. In the terminal phase of hypoxia, multiple organ failure, severe hemostatic disorders with bleeding, and necrotic changes in internal organs occur.

Clinical signs of oxygen starvation are characteristic of all types of pathology, while fulminant hypoxia may not have time to manifest itself as any symptoms due to the sudden (in a matter of minutes) death of the victim.

Acute oxygen starvation develops over 2-3 hours, during which the organs have time to feel the lack of oxygen. At first, the body will try to correct it by accelerating the pulse, increasing blood pressure, but the compensatory mechanisms are quickly depleted due to severe general condition and the nature of the underlying disease, hence the symptoms of acute hypoxia:

Bradycardia;
Reduced blood pressure;
Irregular, shallow, rare breathing or pathological types.

If at this moment the oxygen deficiency is not eliminated, then irreversible ischemic-dystrophic changes in vital life will develop. important organs, the victim will plunge into a coma, agony and death from multiple organ failure and cardiac arrest will occur.

Subacute and chronic varieties Lack of oxygen in the body in an adult or child is manifested by hypoxic syndrome, which, of course, affects the organ most vulnerable to lack of oxygen - the brain. Against the background of oxygen deficiency in the nervous tissue, ischemia and death of neurons begin, circulatory disorders with microthrombosis and hemorrhages occur, and edema progresses.

Symptoms of oxygen starvation of the brain are:

Euphoria, excitement, unmotivated anxiety, restlessness;
Motor excitement;
Reduced criticism of one’s condition, inadequate assessment of what is happening;
Signs of depression of cortical structures - cranialgia, noise in the ears or head, dizziness, lethargy;
Impaired consciousness up to coma;
Spontaneous urination and defecation;
Nausea, vomiting;
Loss of coordination, inability to walk and make purposeful movements;
Convulsive muscle contractions when irritated from outside - begin with the facial muscles, then the muscles of the limbs and abdomen are involved; the most severe form is opisthotonus, when all the muscles of the body contract, including the diaphragm (as in tetanus).

Neurological symptoms, as hypoxic-ischemic disorders deepen in the tissues, are joined by cardialgia, the heart rate increases above 70 heartbeats per minute, hypotension increases, breathing becomes irregular, shortness of breath increases, and body temperature decreases.

Against the background of metabolic disorders and disorders of peripheral blood flow, (cyanosis) of the skin develops, but in case of intoxication with cyanides, carbon monoxide, nitro compounds skin the victim may, on the contrary, turn pink.

Chronic oxygen starvation with constant cerebral hypoxia is accompanied by mental disorders in the form of hallucinations, delirium, agitation, disorientation, memory loss and dementia. With severe hypotension, the perfusion of already suffering tissues decreases, coma develops with suppression of vital nerve centers and death.

A milder course of chronic hypoxia, observed in residents of megacities, office workers and other closed, poorly ventilated rooms, is accompanied by drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, tendency to depressive disorders, decreased ability to concentrate at work, dizziness. Such hypoxia brings rather subjective discomfort and makes it difficult to perform professional responsibilities, but not life-threatening. However, it is necessary to fight it to maintain active life and adequate working capacity.

Oxygen starvation in the fetus and newborn

Oxygen starvation has a very adverse effect on the developing fetus during pregnancy, whose cells constantly multiply, forming tissue, and are therefore very sensitive to hypoxia. Today, pathology is diagnosed in every tenth newborn baby.

Fetal hypoxia can occur in both acute and chronic form. IN early stages gestation, chronic oxygen starvation provokes a slowdown in embryo formation, birth defects, and in the later stages - disorders of the central nervous system, growth retardation, and decreased adaptive reserves.

Acute oxygen deprivation during childbirth is usually associated with complications of the birth itself - rapid or too prolonged labor, compression of the umbilical cord, weakness of labor forces, placental abruption, etc. In this case, dysfunction of the internal organs of the fetus is pronounced, tachycardia of up to 160 beats or more is observed heart rate per minute or bradycardia less than 120 beats. Heart sounds are muffled, movements are weak. The most severe variant of intrauterine hypoxia is asphyxia.

Chronic hypoxia develops slowly, with a moderate lack of oxygen, and malnutrition is diagnosed - slower weight gain of the fetus, less frequent movements, and bradycardia.

A developing baby may subsequently develop a seizure disorder or cerebral palsy. The formation of congenital heart abnormalities and pneumopathy due to impaired maturation of lung tissue is possible.

Asphyxia during childbirth is extremely dangerous due to the death of the newborn, severe brain damage with necrosis and hemorrhage, respiratory disorders, and multiple organ failure. This condition requires resuscitation measures.

Oxygen starvation of the fetus manifests itself:

Tachycardia at the beginning of hypoxia and a decrease in heart rate as it worsens;
Deafness of heart sounds;
An increase in motor activity at the beginning of the development of pathology and in mild degrees and a decrease with a deep lack of oxygen;
The appearance of meconium in the amniotic fluid;
An increase in hypoxia with periods of tachycardia and hypertension, followed by bradycardia and hypotension;
The appearance of edema in the tissues;
Hemorrhages due to impaired blood viscosity, a tendency to intravascular aggregation of red blood cells;
Disorders of electrolyte metabolism, acidosis.

Serious consequences oxygen starvation during pregnancy can become birth injury fetus, intrauterine death, severe asphyxia in the womb or during childbirth. Children born or gestated in conditions of oxygen starvation are hypotrophic, poorly adapt to life outside the fetal receptacle, and suffer from neurological and mental disorders in the form of delayed speech and mental development, convulsive syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

In a newborn child with hypoxia, severe bradycardia, absence of crying and the first breath, severe cyanosis of the skin, absence of spontaneous breathing and a sharp metabolic imbalance are possible, requiring emergency care.

Treatment of oxygen starvation

Treatment of oxygen starvation should be comprehensive and timely, aimed at eliminating the cause of hypoxia and restoring adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. At acute forms and asphyxia is necessary emergency therapy and resuscitation.

Regardless of the type of oxygen starvation, hyperbaric oxygenation is used as one of the main methods of pathogenetic therapy, in which oxygen is supplied to the lungs under high blood pressure. Because of high pressure oxygen can immediately dissolve in the blood, bypassing the connection with the red blood cell, so its delivery to the tissues will be fast and independent of the morpho-functional characteristics of red blood cells.

Hyperbaric oxygenation allows you to saturate cells with oxygen, promotes the expansion of the arteries of the brain and heart, the work of which is enhanced and improved. In addition to oxygenation, cardiotonic agents and drugs to eliminate hypotension are prescribed. If necessary, blood components are transfused.

Hemic hypoxia is treated:

Hyperbaric oxygenation;
Hemotransfusions (blood transfusions);
By introducing active oxygen carrier drugs - perftoran, for example;
Extracorporeal detoxification methods - hemosorption, plasmapheresis to remove toxins from the blood;
The use of drugs that normalize the respiratory chain - ascorbic acid, methylene blue;
Administration of glucose to meet the energy needs of cells;
Glucocorticosteroids.

Oxygen starvation during pregnancy requires hospitalization in a clinic and correction of both obstetric and extragenital pathologies of the woman with restoration of adequate blood circulation in the placenta. Rest and bed rest, oxygen therapy are prescribed, antispasmodics are administered to reduce uterine tone (papaverine, aminophylline, magnesia), drugs that improve rheological blood parameters (chimes, pentoxifylline).

For chronic fetal hypoxia, vitamins E, C, group B, administration of glucose, antihypoxic agents, antioxidants and neuroprotectors are indicated. As the condition improves, the pregnant woman masters breathing exercises, water aerobics, undergoes physiotherapy (ultraviolet irradiation).

If severe fetal hypoxia cannot be eliminated, then from the 29th week of gestation it is necessary to urgently deliver the woman by cesarean section. Natural childbirth in case of chronic oxygen deficiency, it is carried out while monitoring the indicators of fetal cardiac activity. If a child is born under conditions of acute hypoxia or asphyxia, he is provided with resuscitation care.

In the future, children who have suffered from hypoxia are observed by a neurologist, and the participation of a psychologist and speech therapist may be required. With severe consequences of hypoxic brain damage, children require long-term drug therapy.

Dangerous complications of oxygen starvation are:

Persistent neurological deficit;
Parkinsonism;
Dementia;
Development of coma.

Often, after hypoxia that is not cured in a timely manner, psychological problems, fast fatiguability.

Prevention oxygen starvation is to prevent conditions accompanied by a lack of oxygen: an active lifestyle, walks in the fresh air, physical activity, proper nutrition and timely treatment of somatic pathology. “Office” work requires ventilation of premises, and types of professions that are more dangerous in terms of hypoxia (miners, divers, etc.) require strict adherence to safety precautions.

The body does not have any reserves of oxygen other than that which is absorbed during inhalation.

Lack of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia), which occurs when its partial oxygen level decreases, does not directly excite the respiratory center. A person cannot notice the onset of life-threatening hypoxemia and loses consciousness, but having no sensations of oxygen starvation (for example, during a gradual rise to high altitudes, during intoxication).

Lack of oxygen in the body or in individual tissues is called hypoxia. There are: 1) respiratory hypoxia with a lack of oxygen in the inhaled or with a violation, 2) circulatory - with a circulatory disorder, 3) anemic - with a lack of blood or with its disturbances respiratory function and 4) toxic - in case of poisoning with certain poisons.

The body's protective adaptations vary depending on the type of hypoxia. Large half-widths of the brain and higher sense organs respond more quickly to hypoxia.

Insufficient oxygen supply to the neurons of the respiratory center (hypoxia) does not in itself excite the respiratory center. Hypoxia can cause excitation of the respiratory center only secondarily due to the accumulation of a large amount of acids in it, which are not removed due to an insufficient supply of oxygen. This accumulation of acids is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions. Excitation of the respiratory center causes increased ventilation of the lungs, increased removal of carbon dioxide and, consequently, a decrease in the concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood.

Thus, the respiratory center maintains a constant pH in the blood. When eating meat foods that are rich in acids, the respiratory center is more excited and strengthened, which leads to accelerated removal of carbon dioxide and maintaining a constant blood pH.

When eating plant foods that are rich in oxygen, the excitation of the respiratory center decreases, breathing decreases, which slows down the removal of carbon dioxide and maintains a constant pH in the blood.

The stimulating effect of carbon dioxide on the respiratory center was proven in experiments on animals with cross-circulation.

Frederick's experience is that under anesthesia the carotid artery of one dog is connected to carotid artery another dog so that each dog's brain comes from the other animal's body. If you allow one of the dogs to inhale CO 2, then the ventilation of the lungs increases not in her, but in the other dog. In the same way, the suffocation of one of the dogs, accompanied by the accumulation of carbon dioxide in its blood, causes increased breathing in the other dog. This experience leaves no doubt that the respiratory center is excited by an increase in the carbon dioxide content in the blood washing it.

It has been proven that breathing in people in a hermetically sealed space causes shortness of breath (dyspnea), i.e. increased and deepening of breathing.

With a slight increase in the amount of CO 2 in the inhaled air, its content in the alveolar air, due to the excitation of the respiratory center and an increase in lung ventilation, changes little. With a large increase in the amount of CO 2 in the inhaled air, even increased ventilation cannot compensate for the increase in its content in the alveolar air. As a result, the release of CO 2 by the blood becomes more difficult, its partial pressure in the blood increases, which causes great excitation of the respiratory center and severe shortness of breath.

After holding your breath, regardless of desire, a temporary increase in breathing occurs (hyperpnea) due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.

A decrease in the carbon dioxide content in the blood after increased breathing reduces the excitability of the respiratory center and causes breath holding (apnea) until the carbon dioxide content in the blood reaches its normal level.

Therefore, intensive breathing for 2 minutes is accompanied by subsequent breath holding for 65-260 seconds. Apnea occurs when the carbon dioxide content in the alveolar air decreases by more than 0.2%. After calm breathing, a person can hold his breath for approximately 75 seconds, and a trained person can hold his breath for much longer.