Definition

Insufficient oxygen at the tissue level, when cells are gasping for air and not getting enough. It's the reason pulse oximeters exist and why oxygen is the most commonly prescribed drug in hospitals.

Example Usage

Severe hypoxia resulted in altered mental status and required immediate intubation.

Origin

From Greek 'hypo' (under, below) + Latin 'oxygenium' (oxygen)

Fun Fact

The brain is extremely sensitive to hypoxia—permanent damage can occur after just 4-6 minutes without oxygen, which is why CPR and rapid defibrillation are so time-critical.

Source: Respiratory medicine and critical care terminology

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