Definition: A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the organs and tissues of the body.
Symptoms of hypoxia can include shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, lightheadedness and a bluish tinge to the skin (cyanosis).
There are many causes of hypoxia. With lung cancer, hypoxia is usually due to hypoxemia, an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood due to decreased lung function.
