Suffocation
Suffocation
Suffocation (/sʌfəˈkeɪʃən/) is a condition of severe distress due to inadequate oxygen supply to the body. It can occur due to a variety of causes, including drowning, choking, and strangulation.
Etymology
The term "suffocation" comes from the Latin suffocare, which means "to choke" or "to strangle".
Causes
Suffocation can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Drowning: This occurs when water or other fluids fill the lungs, preventing oxygen from reaching the bloodstream.
- Choking: This happens when a foreign object blocks the airway, preventing air from reaching the lungs.
- Strangulation: This is caused by external pressure on the neck, leading to a blockage of the airway.
- Asphyxiation: This is a broader term that refers to any condition that prevents oxygen from reaching the tissues of the body, including suffocation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of suffocation can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Cyanosis (bluish color of the skin and mucous membranes)
- Loss of consciousness
- Panic or distress
- Gasping for air
Treatment
Treatment for suffocation depends on the cause. It may include:
- Heimlich maneuver: This is a first aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions (or choking) by foreign objects.
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation): This is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
- Medical ventilation: This is a method to mechanically assist or replace spontaneous breathing.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Suffocation
- Wikipedia's article - Suffocation
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