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Anoxia: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of anoxia?

Symptoms of anoxia are serious and will begin to appear within minutes. Milder symptoms could indicate a hypoxic event that could lead to anoxia and should be immediately treated in an emergency setting.

Common milder symptoms of anoxia

Most symptoms of anoxia are severe. However, anoxia typically begins with milder symptoms including:

  • Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails
  • Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
  • Dizziness
  • Poor decision-making
  • Rapid breathing (tachypnea) or shortness of breath

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In all cases, anoxia is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, choking
  • Seizures and tremors
  • Unconsciousness or coma
INTRODUCTION

What is anoxia?

Anoxia is an extreme form of hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the blood) in which there is a complete lack of oxygen supply to the body as a whole or to a specific organ or tissue region. Anoxia can result from inadequate amounts of oxygen in the air, such as at high altitudes, from an inability of your blood to load and carry oxygen to tissues and organs, from the inability of the heart t... Read more about anoxia introduction

CAUSES

What causes anoxia?

Anoxia may be caused by a number of environmental factors or by underlying diseases or conditions.... Read more about anoxia causes

TREATMENTS

How is anoxia treated?

The treatment of anoxia depends on its severity and the amount of damage to the tissue or organ that experienced the anoxia.... Read more about anoxia treatments

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Medical Reviewer: All content has been reviewed by board-certified physicians under the direction of Rich Klasco, M.D., FACEP. Last Annual Review Date: May 2, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

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