asphyxiation

Asphyxiation refers to a state in which the body is deprived of oxygen or unable to use oxygen, leading to hypoxemia and potential organ injury. It encompasses several mechanisms that reduce oxygen delivery, including suffocation (external obstruction of the airway), choking (airway obstruction by a foreign body), strangulation (compression of the neck), and smothering (covering the nose and mouth). It can also result from chemical or environmental factors that interfere with oxygen utilization, such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, or other toxic gases, as well as immersion or drowning.

Causes vary from accidental to intentional and can involve people of all ages. Common scenarios include airway obstruction by food or objects, adverse environmental conditions, inhalation of hazardous gases, or medical conditions that impair respiratory or circulatory function. Immersion in water or other liquids and exposure to high pressure can also produce asphyxia.

Pathophysiology centers on tissue hypoxia, with inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. If oxygen deprivation is prolonged, neuronal injury and organ dysfunction can occur, with brain damage possible after minutes of severe hypoxia.

Signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath, tachycardia, confusion or agitation, dizziness, cyanosis (bluish skin), collapse, or unconsciousness. In infants, signs include poor feeding and limpness. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by history and, when relevant, laboratory tests showing hypoxemia or metabolic acidosis; in forensic contexts, asphyxia may contribute to death.

Treatment focuses on removing the cause of oxygen deprivation, ensuring an open airway, and providing supplemental oxygen as available. If circulation is compromised or breathing has ceased, basic life support and CPR should be initiated by trained personnel, with urgent emergency assistance.

Prevention involves reducing exposure to choking hazards and hazardous environments, installing detectors for toxic gases, and adhering to safety guidelines in risky activities.