The term happy hypoxia is used to indicate the condition of reduced oxygen levels in the body without causing symptoms. Although difficult to recognize, this condition needs to be watched out for because it can be fatal, especially for people with COVID-19.
Until now, the cause of happy hypoxia is not known with certainty. However, there is a theory that says that happy hypoxia occurs due to inflammation of the lung tissue caused by Corona virus infection.
Meanwhile, there is also another theory which states that happy hypoxia occurs due to disturbances in the nervous system that regulates oxygen levels in the blood.
If detected and treated too late, the condition of reduced oxygen in the blood can certainly endanger the life of the sufferer. Therefore, it is important for you to know the symptoms of happy hypoxia so that treatment can be carried out immediately.
Signs of Happy Hypoxia
Under normal conditions, oxygen levels in the blood (oxygen saturation) are in the range of 95-100% or about 75-100 mmHg. Oxygen levels in the blood that are below this limit result in a lack of oxygen in the body, causing hypoxemia or hypoxia conditions.
Symptoms of hypoxia are different for each sufferer. Symptoms of this condition can appear suddenly and worsen rapidly (acute) or develop slowly (chronic).
There are some common symptoms of hypoxia, including:
- Body feels weak
- Skin looks pale
- Bluish color of nails and lips (cyanosis)
- Heart rate is fast or slow
- Coughs
- Hard to breathe
- Headache
If not treated immediately, hypoxia can cause the sufferer to experience confusion, loss of consciousness, or even coma.
However, under certain conditions, hypoxia can occur without any symptoms and is only detected when a person undergoes a blood test or oxygen saturation check using a device. pulse oximeter.
This asymptomatic condition of hypoxia is called silent hypoxia or happy hypoxia. Happy hypoxia has been reported to occur in some people with COVID-19.
How to Deal with Happy Hypoxia
On happy hypoxia, COVID-19 patients experience oxygen deprivation without experiencing any symptoms. In fact, he could feel perfectly fine. Even though at that time, in his body there was the Corona virus which of course had to be fought.
Here's how to handle happy hypoxia if this condition is found:
Administration of oxygen
Hypoxic conditions, whether showing symptoms or not, need to be treated immediately by a doctor. Treatment steps generally aim to restore oxygen levels in the body and overcome the causes of hypoxia.
For hypoxia that is mild and makes the sufferer still able to breathe, treatment is done by giving oxygen through a mask or oxygen tube.
However, if the hypoxic patient cannot breathe or his consciousness begins to decline, the doctor may provide breathing assistance through a ventilator machine. After that, the patient may also need to be admitted to the ICU.
Increase endurance
Actually, the body has an immune system that is able to fight viruses and bacteria that cause disease. However, there are some things that make the immune system weak, such as malnutrition or certain diseases. Therefore, it is important to always maintain the immune system, for example by eating nutritious foods.
One of the nutritious foods that can be consumed to increase endurance are fruits that contain vitamin C, such as guava. Guava is a natural source of vitamin C which can increase the body's resistance so that it is stronger against infections, including Corona virus infection, and helps the body fight free radicals.
If you have certain medical conditions that make you susceptible to being infected with the Corona virus or you have been in contact with people who are positive for COVID-19, you should immediately consult a doctor or call the number 119 ext. 9 for further guidance.
If it is deemed necessary, you will be directed by a doctor to undergo a swab or PCR examination to diagnose COVID-19.
If the results of the examination state that you are positive for the Corona virus, you are advised to remain vigilant even if you do not experience any symptoms. This is because happy hypoxia can strike suddenly and without symptoms.