19 - Hypoxia 1 of 4

KYJ19- Hypoxia Types- Histotoxic

There are four types of Hypoxia.
Histotoxic
Hypoxaemic
Ischaemic
Anaemic

Today we look at Histotoxic.
But first we define hypoxia. Hypoxia is a common term yet often misunderstood in a nurses vocabulary.  It is Latin. It literally means low (hypo) oxygen (oxia)
Hypoxia -low oxygen.

As a term, it is used in medicine to refer specifically to cells.  Recapping that all cells need oxygen to be delivered constantly to drive the manufacture of energy (ATP), a cell or group of cells that is low in oxygen is said to be hypoxic.

Many reasons exist as to why a cell is how in oxygen. One such reason is that the cell is poisoned by a toxin.  Such hypoxia is called Histotoxic Hypoxia.  Literally, histo means cell, and toxic means poisoned.

In Histotoxic hypoxia a cell's ability to use oxygen has been damaged by substances that shut down the ability to manufacture energy.

Examples exist in smoke inhalation injuries, where two toxins, Carbon Monoxide, and Cyanide poison the cell.  Once affected by these toxins, the cell is disabled and unable to use oxygen.

Additionally, carbon monoxide gas displaces oxygen from the haemoglobin, rendering the red blood cells hypoxic. But that is tonight's  discussion.

Know your jargon (KYJ) .
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