Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and to remove carbon dioxide as a waste gas from the body. This involves moving volumes of gas into and out of the lungs – ventilation – and diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream – gas exchange. As one of the main functions of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen into the bloodstream, respiratory disease commonly manifests with hypoxaemia, and in special circumstances such as at altitude, hypoxaemia occurs in health. There are five main mechanisms by which hypoxaemia can occur: impaired ventilation: hypoventilation; diffusion limitation; ventilation/perfusion mismatch; right-to-left shunt; and a reduction in the inspired oxygen fraction.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.mpmed.2023.07.006

Type

Journal article

Journal

Medicine (United Kingdom)

Publication Date

01/10/2023

Volume

51

Pages

679 - 683