hypoxemia

American  

[hahy-pok-see-mee-uh] / ˌhaɪ pɒkˈsi mi ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

   A mild case of hypoxemia may be treatable with supplemental oxygen therapy alone.

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Other Word Forms

• hypoxemic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypoxemia

First recorded in 1885–90; hyp- + ox(y)- ² + -emia

Compare meaning

How does hypoxemia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hypoxia vs. hypoxemia

Example Sentences

A normal reading is between 95% and 100% and anything below that is hypoxemia, which can be fatal.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

A patient must be found to have severe hypoxemia or an arterial oxygen saturation level below 93 percent, both of which would suggest the individual was severely starved of oxygen.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2022

One University of Michigan study found that the devices that squeeze the finger gave elevated readings in Black people when a blood test showed a lower rate, suggesting “hidden” hypoxemia, or significantly low blood oxygen.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2022

“It seems like Trump is stable, but remains at high risk, given transient hypoxemia, some findings on chest imaging,” Wachter wrote on Twitter.

From The Guardian • Oct. 4, 2020

Lower percentages reflect hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013