Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by an abnormally low level of oxygen in the arterial blood.

Usage

This is a technical medical term. It describes a specific state of blood chemistry, not a general feeling of breathlessness. It is typically used in clinical, diagnostic, or scientific contexts.

Examples

• The patient's cyanosis and confusion were symptoms of severe anoxemia.
• High-altitude sickness can lead to anoxemia due to the thin air.
• The laboratory test confirmed the presence of anoxemia.

Advanced Usage

• Pathological Context: Anoxemia is often a sign or consequence of underlying conditions that impair gas exchange in the lungs or oxygen transport in the blood, such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or certain types of poisoning.
• Distinction from Hypoxia: While closely related, specifically refers to low oxygen in the . is a broader term for low oxygen availability at the level. Anoxemia is a common cause of hypoxia.

Variants and Related Words

• Anoxic (adjective): Relating to or marked by anoxemia.
  • The patient suffered anoxic brain injury.
• Hypoxemia (noun): This is a very close synonym and is often used interchangeably in modern medical practice, though it may imply a less severe or slightly different measurement parameter.

Synonyms

• Hypoxemia
• Arterial oxygen deficiency

Notes

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this highly technical term.

Noun

1. abnormally low oxygen content in arterial blood