asfyksia

Asfyksia, from the Greek ασφυξία, is the condition of insufficient oxygen delivery to the body due to impaired breathing or gas exchange. It encompasses various etiologies that interfere with air intake or the removal of carbon dioxide, potentially leading to hypoxia, organ damage, or death. The term covers both external airway obstruction and problems with the respiratory system or environmental factors that limit oxygen availability.

Common causes include choking on food or an object, smothering or strangulation, swelling or injury of the airway, smoke or toxic gas inhalation, drowning, and entrapment in confined spaces with limited oxygen. Infants and young children are at higher risk from choking, while adults may be affected by impaired consciousness, trauma, or substance use that alters breathing.

Pathophysiology involves reduced oxygen delivery (hypoxic asphyxia), impaired removal of carbon dioxide (hypercapnic asphyxia), or both. The brain and heart are particularly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation, and prolonged asphyxia can result in unconsciousness, brain injury, cardiac complications, or death. Symptoms vary with cause and duration but commonly include restlessness, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, bluish skin coloration, and loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by history and findings at examination. In hospital settings, treatment aims to restore airway patency, breathing, and circulation and to address the underlying cause. First aid and emergency medical services are essential in suspected cases of choking or environmental asphyxia.

Prevention focuses on reducing choking hazards, safe sleep practices for infants, smoke and gas hazard mitigation, and awareness of risks in confined or hazardous environments. See also hypoxia, suffocation, choking, strangulation, drowning, and smoke inhalation.