What is Asphyxia? Know the Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

YOGYAKARTA - Asphyxia is a condition when the body gets enough oxygen to function normally. As a result, sufferers can faint or even be life-threatening if they do not get immediate help. When the oxygen supply is interrupted, the body will react quickly and in some cases can be fatal. Further on what is asphyxia, causes, symptoms, to the prevention steps, read the following article.

What is Asphyxia?

As mentioned above, asphyxia occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen to function normally. In normal conditions, we breathe oxygen through the lungs which is then circulated throughout the body through the blood. The body's cells use this oxygen to produce the energy needed for organs to work properly. If this process is disrupted, the body will begin to experience disruptions.

Asphyxia is different from hypoxia, which is a condition of low oxygen levels in the blood or tissues. Asphyxia occurs when oxygen does not reach the respiratory tract, while hypoxia occurs when the body's tissues are unable to use oxygen effectively. Asphyxia can cause hypoxia, but not vice versa.

Causes of Asphyxia

Quoted from WebMD, here are some things that can cause asphyxia:

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergy from food or animal stings that can be life-threatening. This condition causes the airways to swell and close, which can lead to asphyxia.

Asma

This chronic lung condition causes the airways to swell and close when exposed to triggers such as pollution, pets, exercise, or cigarette smoke.

Choking

This happens when food or objects get stuck in the respiratory tract and block air from entering the lungs. Babies, toddlers, and the elderly are at higher risk of choking due to the size of the food or difficulty swallowing.

Drowning

Diseases such as asthma can also be a trigger for asphyxia because they cause the airways to narrow. In addition, severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis can make the airways swell and close. In this condition, emergency medical treatment is needed to prevent serious complications.

Aspiration

Aspiration occurs when a substance (for example, something you eat or drink) enters the respiratory tract or lungs. The substance blocks the air from entering the body. This condition occurs, among other things, when people drown.

Choking

Choking conditions can also cause asphyxia. If a rope or other object wraps around the neck and presses on the respiratory tract, it can block air from reaching the lungs.

Drug Overdose

Consuming too high a dose of the drug can slow down breathing until the body can't breathe enough oxygen.

Chemical Exposure

Several chemical substances can prevent cells from absorbing oxygen and cause shortness of breath, including carbon monoxide, cyanide, and hydrogen sulfide.

Symptoms of Asphyxia

The symptoms of asphyxia can appear suddenly or develop gradually depending on the cause. Still reported from the same page, the symptoms include:

Loss of consciousness Difficulty speaking Face or lips turn red, purple, blue, or gray Urinate or defecate unintentionally Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath Rapid or deep breathing (hyperventilation) Cough Hoarse or hoarse voice Loss of memory Dizziness Headache How to Prevent Asphyxia

Preventing asphyxia is basically related to vigilance towards the environment and daily habits. For example, for children, it is important to ensure that food is cut into small pieces so that it is easy to chew and does not cause choking. In addition, never leave a child unattended, especially when eating or in the water.

At home, make sure that the room ventilation is good enough so that the air circulation remains smooth. For families with babies, make sure the sleeping position is safe, away from objects such as thick pillows or extra blankets that can hinder breathing.

For people with medical conditions such as asthma or severe allergies, it is important to always carry emergency medication and follow the advice of doctors. In addition, it is important to learn first aid techniques such as CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. This is very important in emergency situations before medical assistance arrives.

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