what causes hypoxia
Causes of Hypoxia. A severe asthma attack, or flare, can cause hypoxia in adults and kids. During an attack, your airways narrow, making it hard to get air into your lungs. Coughing to clear your lungs uses even more oxygen and can make symptoms worse. Other things can cause hypoxia, too: 1  Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). 2  Strong pain medicines and other drugs that hold back breathing.