Suffocation

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski