Hypoxia refers to a condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the cells. This can result from a variety of factors such as respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, high altitudes, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hypoxemia, on the other hand, specifically refers to a low level of oxygen in the blood. It is a condition in which the oxygen levels in the blood are below normal, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the tissues. Hypoxemia can be caused by factors such as lung diseases, heart conditions, anemia, or high altitudes.
In summary, hypoxia is a broader term that refers to a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues, while hypoxemia specifically refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood.