Anoxia

Anoxia, severe hypoxia (lowered oxygen levels in body tissues), whether due to lack of oxygen in air inhaled or lack of oxygen available in the blood or tissues. Anoxia can be of such severity as to cause permanent damage. Anemic anoxia, resulting from deficient amounts of hemoglobin in the blood, may be caused by hemorrhage or anemia or by poisoning with carbon monoxide, nitrites, or chlorates. Anoxic anoxia occurs when blood flowing through the lungs does not pick up enough oxygen, possibly caused by high altitudes or foreign gases or by abnormalities in pulmonary tissues. Stagnant anoxia, in which slow blood circulation results in loss of oxygen before the blood reaches tissues, is often associated with congestive cardiac failure or postoperative shock.