What is oxygen desaturation?

Answer by  mooly398 (140)

Oxygen desaturation is a condition in which the level of oxygen dissolved in the blood is decreased. This state can be a consequence of environmental hypoxia: not having enough oxygen in your environment. It can also be caused by breathing problems like asthma, sleep apnea, broncheal infections, or chronic lung diseases like emphysema.

Answer by  Lucy101 (225)

Oxygen saturation is a measure of the amount of oxygen carried by the blood measured by the maximum percentage of amount it could carry. If there is not enough oxygen in the blood, it is referred to as oxygen desaturation.

Answer by  mb (5482)

This is just the opposite of oxygen saturation. In Desaturation you are deliberatly pulling oxygen out of an area. Usually used for radiation therapy.

Answer by  PJ24 (220)

Oxygen saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that has bound oxygen, usually >95%. If it is lower (i.e. desaturated) this could indicate respiratory problems.

Answer by  MedStudent01 (1131)

Oxygen desaturation is a term that refers to the reduction in oxygen concentration in a medium such as air or liquid. This is a common medical term that refers to low oxygen in the blood.