HAPPY HYPOXIA: A CASE OF SEVERE ASYMPTOMATIC HYPOXEMIA IN A 35-YEAROLD MALE

Hypoxemia with oxygen saturation below 80% is generally associated with significant respiratory distress. However, some individuals maintain normal daily activity despite critically low saturation, a phenomenon referred to as “happy hypoxia.” We describe a 35-year-old male with sustained oxygen levels between 65–75% who remained free of breathlessness during routine tasks. The report emphasizes the clinical challenges, possible mechanisms, and management strategies for such atypical presentations.