WHAT IS HAPPY HYPOXIA?

Hypoxia is a medical condition in which the oxygen saturation of a person is below normal which is 94% or above. Covid has a major impact on the lungs as the virus causes inflammation in the lungs and produces pneumonia that makes it harder for the lungs to exchange oxygen. Due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, the patient is not able to breathe well thus oxygen supply to the whole body is also compromised. Hypoxia is a dangerous condition as prolonged hypoxia can do multi-organ damage and can be life-threatening. Causes for hypoxia could be many like- anemia, pneumonia, heart failure, asthma, etc.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOXIA?

Initial symptoms for low oxygen saturation are shortness of breath, confusion of mind, and restlessness. Later if the oxygen saturation is not taken care of then more serious symptoms like bluish discoloration of the skin, palpitations, disorientation, cough, sweating, etc develop. Severe hypoxia can lead to life-threatening outcomes also.

WHAT IS HAPPY HYPOXIA?

Happy hypoxia is a condition in which the person is unaware of the fact that oxygen saturation in their body is low and doesn't show any symptoms as well. They walk and talk quite normal and never complain of any sort of uneasiness ever. Sometimes the oxygen saturation can dip below 80% as well without producing any symptoms. The other vitals like blood pressure and pulse also come in the normal range when measured.

WHY IS HAPPY HYPOXIA DANGEROUS IN COVID?

Covid especially the second variant is migrating early to the lungs and producing pneumonia. Due to a shortage of beds and oxygen, many patients who have mild to moderate symptoms are advised to manage themselves at home under the guidance of the doctor. In happy hypoxia, the patient is not able to judge when to inform the doctor or move to the hospital as medical oxygen is required to correct the hypoxia.

Patients slide into more fatal symptoms soon and get to sense the issue late. Thus happy hypoxia can complicate the situation of covid badly and doesn't give time for a medical intervention on time.

HOW TO PREVENT HAPPY HYPOXIA?

A pulse oximeter is a device used for measuring oxygen saturation. Keeping track of the vitals is very important for timely intervention. Prevention of happy hypoxia can be done by keeping track of the SPO2 levels of the patient thrice a day. It is better to measure the oxygen levels before and after 7 minutes of walk. The oxygen saturation should be above 92% all the time. Prolonged low levels of oxygen saturation should be informed to the doctor. Never measure the oxygen saturation while sleeping.

WHAT HOMEOPATHY CAN DO IN HYPOXIA?

Homeopathy has many good medicines that can treat diseases that cause hypoxia especially asthma and pneumonia. Homeopathy medicines can also boost oxygen saturation levels as well. So homeopathy is also a good method to take care of hypoxia.