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SUFFOCATION definition: 1. death caused by not having enough oxygen, or the act of killing someone by not allowing them to…. Learn more.
- English (US)
SUFFOCATION meaning: 1. death caused by not having enough...
- Znaczenie Suffocation, Definicja W Cambridge English Dictionary
SUFFOCATION definicja: 1. death caused by not having enough...
- Suffocate
SUFFOCATE definition: 1. to (cause someone to) die because...
- English (US)
- Overview
- Causes of asphyxiation
- Asphyxiation and childbirth
- Erotic asphyxiation
- Symptoms of asphyxiation
- Treating asphyxiation
- Prevention and preparedness for asphyxiation
- Takeaway
Asphyxiation, or suffocation, occurs when the body is deprived of oxygen. It has several causes, such as drowning, asthma, and seizures. It could lead to loss of consciousness, brain injury, and death.
The term “asphyxia” is different from “asphyxiated.” Asphyxia refers to the condition of oxygen deprivation, while asphyxiated means a person has died due to oxygen deprivation. The latter is used to describe how someone has died.
Asphyxiation is a common cause of injuries that lead to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suffocation led to 18,924 deaths in 2018.
Read on to learn about the causes of asphyxiation, along with treatments and prevention methods.
Asphyxiation is a medical emergency
If someone can’t breathe for any reason, call 911 immediately. Remove any objects that might interfere with breathing and elevate their chin. If the person is choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver or find someone who knows how to do it.
Drowning
Drowning is when a person can’t breathe because they’ve inhaled water. As a result, their body is unable to deliver oxygen to their tissues and organs. In many cases, drowning happens quickly. Individuals who have a high risk of drowning include: •children younger than 5 years old •teenagers •older people
Chemical asphyxia
Chemical asphyxia involves inhaling a substance that cuts off the body’s oxygen supply. The substance may replace oxygen in the lungs or disrupt oxygen delivery in the blood. A chemical that causes asphyxia is called an asphyxiant. One example is carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that’s found in smoke. Breathing in large amounts of carbon monoxide can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Chemical asphyxia may also occur if you use inhalants. These substances are often found in common household products, and they have chemical fumes that cause psychoactive effects when inhaled. In high amounts, these fumes can lead to asphyxiation.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to food, medicine, or an insect sting. During anaphylaxis, the body thinks a substance is an invader. Your immune system makes antibodies, which release chemicals that cause symptoms like swelling, hives, or shortness of breath. This includes swelling of the upper airways. Without treatment, the swelling can get worse and disrupt breathing.
Asphyxiation can occur during childbirth. This is called birth asphyxia or perinatal asphyxia.
During birth asphyxia, there is insufficient blood or oxygen flow to the fetus. This can happen just before, during, or after childbirth. Most cases happen during the process of giving birth.
Possible causes include:
•lack of oxygen in the mother’s blood
•reduced breathing in the mother due to anesthesia
•fever or low blood pressure in the mother
Erotic asphyxiation is when a person cuts off their partner’s oxygen supply for sexual arousal. It’s also called sexual asphyxia or “breath play.”
This form of asphyxiation may involve acts like suffocation, choking, or compressing the other person’s chest.
Erotic asphyxiation can be dangerous. The person performing the act might underestimate the severity of oxygen restriction. In other cases, the person experiencing asphyxia might be unable to communicate that they can’t breathe.
If erotic asphyxiation continues, the brain might not receive enough oxygen. This can result in serious brain injury or death.
Common symptoms of asphyxiation include:
•hoarse voice
•sore throat
•difficulty swallowing
•shortness of breath
•hyperventilation
Treatment for asphyxiation depends on the cause. It may include:
•Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a procedure that involves chest compressions to promote blood and oxygen circulation. It’s used when a person’s heart stops beating.
•Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid technique for choking. It uses abdominal thrusts below the diaphragm to remove a foreign object from a person’s airways.
•Oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy delivers oxygen to your lungs. It may involve a ventilator, a breathing tube, or a mask or nose tube that provides oxygen.
Drowning
Never enter a body of water without another person present. Avoid swimming in bad weather. Wear a life jacket or take swimming lessons if you don’t know how to swim. Never swim while using alcohol or drugs. Always supervise babies or young children near water. This includes babies in the bathtub or sink.
Chemical asphyxia
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Replace the batteries regularly. Never use a gasoline or charcoal-burning appliance in your home or in the garage. Avoid letting your car run in the garage. Get your gas, coal, or oil-burning appliances inspected each year.
Anaphylaxis
Avoid any foods or substances that you know you’re allergic to. Double-check the ingredients when eating at restaurants. Visit an allergist if you’re not sure what you’re allergic to. Keep an EpiPen on hand and make sure others know where to find it.
Asphyxiation is caused by lack of oxygen. It can quickly lead to loss of consciousness, brain injury, or death. Some causes of asphyxiation include drowning, asthma, and choking.
Asphyxiation is often caused by accident. To prevent it, use caution and avoid leaving babies and small children alone.
SUFFOCATE definition: 1. to (cause someone to) die because of not having enough oxygen: 2. to prevent something or…. Learn more.
Suffocation definition: the act of killing by preventing air from getting to the blood through the lungs or gills; strangulation. See examples of SUFFOCATION used in a sentence.
Dec 4, 2023 · Seizure. It can cause asphyxia in several ways. Epileptic seizures may make your breathing suddenly pause (also called apnea) and lower the oxygen in your body to life-threatening levels. Also ...
- Rachel Reiff Ellis
3 meanings: 1. to kill or be killed by the deprivation of oxygen, as by obstruction of the air passage or inhalation of noxious.... Click for more definitions.
Definition of suffocation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
