What Is Happy Hypoxia And Why Is It So Deadly For COVID Patients?

by Shatakshi Gupta

In the second wave of coronavirus, manydeaths of young people are being reported. In many cases, the patient did not have any symptoms and suddenly the oxygen level went down. Patients did not find any indication and the level of oxygen saturation reached 50%. This condition is called Happy Hypoxia.

In this condition, the viral load remains in the body, which damages the lungs. Oxygen levels also go down and if not monitored can reach 50%. After some time, symptoms like shortness of breath, weakness, nervousness, sweating, dizziness appear all of a sudden. Within two days, a healthy-looking person suddenly reaches on the ventilator.

What is Happy Hypoxia?

It is a new symptom of corona. Although, this epidemic has become more than a year oldnew symptoms are still coming out. Starting with a cold, fever, cough, this infection leads to severe pneumonia and breathing problems.

Researchers have seen several new symptoms like diarrhoea, loss of taste, clotting in the blood over some time. Infections are not relieved even after following the COVID-19 protocol.  The new symptom, Happy Hypoxia, has surprised experts as most of the young people infected in the second wave in India have suffered it.

Hypoxia means very low oxygen levels in the blood. Oxygen saturation in the blood of a healthy person is 95% or more.  However, oxygen saturation in serious corona patients fallsup to 50%. The kidney, brain, heart and other major organs may stop functioning due to hypoxia. In this condition, the corona patients do not show any symptoms at the initial stage and the patient looks fine and ‘Happy’.

Also read: What Is Mucormycosis or Black Fungus That Is Becoming Fatal Concern For COVID-19 Patients?

How sudden oxygen fall takes place?

According to most researchers and medical experts, blood clots form in the veins of the lungs. It is considered to be the major cause of happy hypoxia. Inflammation in the body increases when there is an infection. This accelerates cellular protein reaction. Then blood clots begin to form. This causes hindrance inthe sufficient supply of oxygen to the lungs and reduces oxygen saturation in the blood.

How can you avoid this condition?

COVID patients are advised to monitor their oxygen level on a pulse oximeter regularly. Moreover, on should also look for symptoms likechanging the colour of lips. The skin also begins to turn red. Sweating persists even in cool temperature.

Why is it more dangerous for young people?

There are two reasons for this.  The immunity of young persons is strong. Second, their energy is also higher than older people.  They have more stamina than older people. At later ages, then oxygen saturation below 90% can be felt easily by the person.However, young people do not feel symptoms even at 80% oxygen saturation. They can tolerate hypoxia to some extent.

Also read: The Whole “Oxygen” Fiasco Explained (Covid Update)

There is a need to aware people of these new symptoms

 As new symptoms of corona are emerging out, it is necessary for them to be aware of new conditions. In this second wave, rashes, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, joint pain are also new symptoms of COVID-19, which are not included in the state or centre’s RT-PCR testing protocol. Issuing a daily medical bulletin will help in preventing mild cases from becoming critical.