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.
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Causes of asphyxiation
There are many possible causes of asphyxiation. Many causes are due to an airway obstruction, inhaling chemicals, or an injury.
Asphyxiation may be caused by:
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.
