What is asphysia?
Asphyxia is a medical condition that occurs when the body is deprived of oxygen. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
* Obstruction of the airways: This can be caused by a foreign object, such as food or a toy, becoming lodged in the throat. It can also be caused by conditions such as asthma or bronchitis, which narrow the airways.
* Compression of the chest: This can occur in a number of ways, such as when someone is trapped under heavy objects or in a car accident.
* Certain medical conditions: These include conditions that affect the lungs or heart, such as pneumonia, emphysema, or heart failure.
Asphyxia can cause a number of symptoms, including:
* Shortness of breath
* Rapid heart rate
* Confusion
* Loss of consciousness
* Seizures
* Death
If you think someone is experiencing asphyxia, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, you can try to clear the person's airway by:
* Removing any foreign objects from the mouth
* Performing CPR
Asphyxia is a serious medical condition, but it can often be prevented. Here are some tips for preventing asphyxia:
* Keep small objects out of reach of children.
* Teach children not to put objects in their mouths.
* Be aware of the signs and symptoms of asphyxia.
* If you think someone is experiencing asphyxia, seek medical attention immediately.