kvävs

Kvävs is a Swedish verb meaning to suffocate or smother. In everyday and technical use, it describes the act of depriving someone of adequate air or the state of being unable to breathe. The form kvävs appears in different grammatical contexts, including passive constructions, and is used in medical, forensic, and general discussions of asphyxiation.

Causes and mechanisms of suffocation can be broadly categorized as mechanical obstruction, external compression, inhalation of harmful substances, or environmental factors. Mechanical obstruction includes blockage of the airway by a foreign object, food, saliva, or tissue. External compression covers smothering or strangulation. Inhalation of smoke, toxic gases, or other atmospheric contaminants can displace or reduce available oxygen. Drowning, severe airway swelling, or heart or lung failure can lead to asphyxia, a broader medical term for oxygen deprivation.

Symptoms and signs depend on the cause and the speed of onset. Common indicators include difficulty breathing, rapid or irregular respiration, confusion, dizziness, and, in advanced cases, loss of consciousness. In cases of choking from an object, people may have coughing, inability to speak, or clutching the throat. In forensic contexts, asphyxia is described by the specific mechanism involved (mechanical, chemical, or environmental).

First aid and emergency response are crucial. If someone is unresponsive or not breathing, call emergency services and begin CPR with rescue breaths if trained. For a partial airway obstruction, encourage coughing and, if trained, perform appropriate airway-clearance techniques. For suspected smoke, gas, or chemical exposure, move to fresh air and seek medical evaluation.

Prevention focuses on reducing exposure to hazards, safe food preparation and chewing, timely treatment of airway problems, and ensuring adequate ventilation and safety equipment in work and home environments.