Why Is Hypoxia so Serious?

Medical negligence can lead to serious, life-threatening injuries. If you or your loved one suffers injuries or worse at the hands of medical professionals in Michigan, there are options available to you. According to WebMD, hypoxia is a condition where your body does not have enough oxygen. This condition may occur due to asthma attacks, lung diseases, heart problems, pain medication, anemia and many other factors. It can happen to hospitalized patients and if not caught in time, the results are devastating.

If deprived of oxygen, your brain and other organs may suffer damage. This happens quickly, with as little as a few minutes between the initial symptoms and serious damage. The symptoms of hypoxia include:

• Confusion
• Skin color change that may be red or blue
• Cough
• Rapid breathing
• Speedy or slowed heart rate
• Wheezing and shortness of breath

The problem is that when doctors ignore the symptoms or do not notice fast enough, the consequences are devastating for the patient. Hypoxia may lead to permanent organ damage. Patients need oxygen treatment right away. The most vital thing for a doctor to provide is oxygen to a hypoxic patient. When this does not happen, the result is sometimes irreversible. A patient’s organs may always suffer damage; he or she may have permanent brain damage as a result. If a patient is hypoxic due to a doctor’s negligence or if a doctor fails to treat hypoxia, he or she is liable for the consequences.

None of the above is legal advice. Instead, this guide is to inform people about the dangers and symptoms of hypoxia.