ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hypoxemia

Hypoxemia is when your body doesn't have enough oxygen in it. It's like when you're playing a game and you run out of energy and need to take a break. Your body needs oxygen to give you energy, especially when you do things like exercise or run around. When you don't have enough oxygen, your body can't do things like it usually does.

Sometimes, hypoxemia happens when there's not enough oxygen in the air you breathe. Other times, it can happen when your lungs aren't working well and can't get enough oxygen into your body. It's like when you try to blow up a balloon but it has a hole in it and the air keeps leaking out.

When you have hypoxemia, you might feel tired or sleepy, or like you can't think very well. You might even feel sick or dizzy. It's like when you try to play a game but you haven't eaten enough food and you feel really tired.

If you have hypoxemia for a long time or don't get it treated, it can be bad for your body. Your body needs oxygen to work properly, especially your brain and your heart. That's why it's important to get help if you have hypoxemia.