Knowledge Builders

what does asphyxia mean in medical terms

by Prof. Wendell Huel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Asphyxia happens when your body doesn't get enough oxygen to keep you from passing out. It can be a life-threatening situation. When you breathe normally, first you take in oxygen. Your lungs send that oxygen into your blood, which carries it to your tissues.Nov 29, 2021

Explore

The effects of an anoxic brain injury may include:

  • headache.
  • difficulty coordinating balance.
  • vision problems.
  • seizures.
  • changes in sensory perception.
  • trouble speaking and swallowing.
  • changes in sleep pattern.
  • lack of bowel and bladder control.

What does asphyxia mean in medical terms?

These can include:

  • skin that appears pale or blue
  • difficulty breathing, which may cause symptoms such as nasal flaring or abdominal breathing
  • a slow heart rate
  • weak muscle tone

What are the signs and symptoms of asphyxia?

  • Airway obstruction due to a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
  • Diseases or disorders of the respiratory tract, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or tumors that block the airway
  • Nerve nerves, such as multiple sclerosis and ALS

What are some causes of asphyxia?

Pronouncing Birth Injury Terms

  • How to Pronounce Preterm Birth 0:10
  • How to Pronounce Umbilical Cord 0:10
  • How to Pronounce Seizure 0:09
  • How to Pronounce Pitocin 0:09
  • How to Pronounce Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) 0:13
  • How to Pronounce Nuchal Cord 0:10
  • How to Pronounce Microcephaly 0:10
  • How to Pronounce Kernicterus 0:09
  • How to Pronounce Jaundice 0:09

More items...

How to pronounce asphyxia?

image

What is the cause of asphyxia?

Asphyxia can be caused by injury to or obstruction of breathing passageways, as in strangulation or the aspiration of food (choking) or large quantities of fluid (near-drowning or drowning).

What is the medical definition for asphyxia?

Definition of asphyxia 1 : a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply.

What happens to the human body during asphyxiation?

Asphyxia is a breathing impairment that occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the body. This results in decreased delivery of oxygen to the brain and can cause a person to become unconscious or die.

What are the 3 types of asphyxia?

It is proposed to classify asphyxia in forensic context in four main categories: suffocation, strangulation, mechanical asphyxia, and drowning.

Does asphyxiation mean 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.

What does asphyxiation feel like?

Some individuals experience headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and euphoria, and some become unconscious without warning. Loss of consciousness may be accompanied by convulsions and is followed by cyanosis and cardiac arrest.

What are the stages of asphyxia?

If asphyxia is considered pathophysiologically, there are four stages where the transfer of oxygen can be compromised; i.e., oxygen reduction at the cellular level may be caused by (1) decreased amounts of oxygen in the environment, (2) reduced transfer from the air to the blood, (3) reduced transport from the lungs to ...

What are the four causes of asphyxiation?

Chemical AsphyxiaCarbon monoxide. This is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from burning different types of fuel. If you breathe in too much of it, the gas builds up in your body and replaces the oxygen in your blood.Cyanide. It keeps cells from taking oxygen in. ... Hydrogen sulfide. This gas smells like a rotten egg.

What is the difference between suffocation and asphyxiation?

Asphyxiation can occur when a substance, such as carbon dioxide, interferes with the oxygenation of tissue. Suffocation can occur when the air supply to the body is blocked from entering the body. Unfortunately, the results can be the same - death.

What is it called when you run out of oxygen?

At the less extreme end, a lack of oxygen – known as hypoxia – can affect many other people.

Is asphyxiation the same as strangulation?

Strangulation is defined as asphyxia by closure of the blood vessels and/ or air passages of the neck as a result of external pressure on the neck. [2] It is subdivided into three main categories: hanging, ligature strangulation and manual strangulation.

How do you know if someone has died of suffocation?

Throughout the investigation of a death by suffocation or smothering the pathologist will look for the tell tale signs: the bloodshot eyes, the high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and will also look for bruising around the nose and mouth and may even collect trace evidence such as hairs and fibres from around ...

What is it called when you are in a place where oxygen runs out?

Suffocation (smothering). Suffocation happens when something heavy covers the face or chest and prevents you from breathing. It also occurs when you are in a place where oxygen runs out, such as a closed-in, airtight space.

What is the term for a force that keeps you from breathing?

Physical Asphyxia. One type of asphyxia is called "physical" or "mechanical.". It happens when a­­ force or object keeps you from breathing. Lots of accidents can lead to it. Some examples of physical asphyxia are: Choking. This is when food or an object gets stuck in your airway and blocks air from getting to your lungs.

What happens when you don't get enough oxygen?

Asphyxia happens when your body doesn't get enough oxygen to keep you from passing out. It can be a life-threatening situation. When you breathe normally, first you take in oxygen. Your lungs send that oxygen into your blood, which carries it to your tissues. Then your cells use it to make energy.

What causes a person to swell and close?

Illnesses or injuries, like heart failure, a broken neck, or an allergic reaction that causes airways to swell and close, can also cause physical asphyxia. Chemical Asphyxia. Another type of asphyxia is called "chemical.". In this type, a chemical keeps oxygen from reaching your cells.

Can a seizure cause asphyxia?

Seizure. It can cause asphyxia in several ways. Epileptic seizures may make your breathing suddenly pause (also called apnea), and lower oxygen in your body to life-threatening levels. Also, during a seizure, your body may move in such a way that your airway gets covered, blocking your breathing.

What is asphyxia in Karen and her brother?

What Is Asphyxia? Karen and her brother Stephen were swimming in their family's pool. Karen was laying on a float, soaking up some sun, while Stephen was diving for toys. Suddenly, she realized Stephen had gotten awfully quiet so she sat up to see what he was doing.

What is the term for a blockage of the airway?

Asphyxia can occur when the airway is physically blocked or as a side effect of an injury or other medical condition.

What is the term for a foreign object lodged in the respiratory system or throat?

Choking. A foreign object lodged in the respiratory system or throat. Suffocation. Strangulation. Drowning. The tongue blocking the airway when a person is unconscious. Examples of injuries or illnesses that can cause asphyxiation can include: Collapsed lung. Inhalation of toxic fumes (like carbon monoxide)

Can a baby have asphyxia?

Yes, the baby is suffering from asphyxia. In particular, this baby had inadequate blood circulation during delivery. The baby should undergo resuscitation and intubation. After this, he should be referred to the intensive care unit for diagnosis.

Can asphyxia cause death?

If left untreated, asphyxia can lead to coma, brain death (the brain stops functioning while the other organ systems persist), or death (organ systems fail in addition to the brain). Treating asphyxia is pretty clear cut as it depends on clearing the airway or addressing the underlying illness or injury.

What is the meaning of "asphyxia"?

1 : a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply . 2 : the state of being stifled or suppressed As a patient in hospital I felt both anguish and asphyxia—the anguish ...

What is the medical term for a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body?

Medical Definition of asphyxia. : a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that is usually caused by interruption of breathing and that causes unconsciousness — compare suffocation.

What is the definition of asphyxia?

Asphyxia: “a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation” by dictionary definition.

What is the condition of deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing?

Asphyxia or asphyxiation is a condition of deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing. An example of asphyxia is choking.

What is the state of being deprived of oxygen?

asphyxiation is the state or process of being deprived of oxygen, which can result in unconsciousness or death. A situation of suffocation.

What is a seizure disorder?

It is a neurological disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain gets disturbed. Even seizures can

What is it called when you drown in a river?

We often read about the death of someone who drown in river, recent flood effect. That is called asphyxiation.

What is the difference between asphyxia and 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.

Why does asphyxia occur during birth?

Most cases happen during the process of giving birth. Possible causes include: lack of oxygen in the mother’s blood. reduced breathing in the mother due to anesthesia.

What is the term for a chemical that cuts off oxygen in the body?

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.

What is the term for a person who doesn't get enough oxygen?

During childbirth. Sexual asphyxia. Symptoms. Treatment. Preparedness. Summary. Asphyxiation, also called asphyxia or suffocation, is when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen. Without immediate intervention, it can lead to loss of consciousness, brain injury, or death. The term “asphyxia” is different from “asphyxiated.”.

What causes asphyxiation in children?

It can quickly lead to loss of consciousness, brain injury, or death. Some causes of asphyxiation include drowning, asthma, and choking. Asphyxiation is often caused by accident. To prevent it, use caution and avoid leaving babies and small children alone. If another person is experiencing asphyxia, call 911.

What is anaphylaxis in medicine?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to food, medicine, or an insect sting.

What is it called when your body is in a position that blocks your airways?

Incorrect body positioning. If a person’s body is in a position that blocks the airways, it’s called positional asphyxia. This can occur if the body position interferes with normal inhalation or oxygen circulation. Newborn babies and infants are at high risk of positional asphyxia.

suffocation

the stoppage of breathing; called also asphyxiation. If it is complete (no air at all reaches the lungs), the lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood will cause almost immediate loss of consciousness.

Asphyxiation

Oxygen starvation of tissues. Chemicals such as carbon monoxide prevent the blood from carrying sufficient oxygen to the brain and other organs. As a result, the person may lose consciousness, stop breathing, and die without artificial respiration (assisted breathing) and other means of elevating the blood oxygen level.

image

1.Asphyxia | definition of asphyxia by Medical dictionary

Url:https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/asphyxia

7 hours ago asphyxia. pathological changes caused by lack of oxygen in respired air, resulting in a deficiency of oxygen in the blood ( hypoxia) and an increase in carbon dioxide in the blood and tissues (hypercapnia). Symptoms include irregular and disturbed respirations, or a complete absence of breathing, and pallor or cyanosis.

2.Asphyxia: Types and Causes - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/asphyxia-overview

28 hours ago Asphyxia happens when your body doesn't get enough oxygen to keep you from passing out. It can be a life-threatening situation. When you breathe normally, first you take in oxygen.

3.What Is Asphyxia? - Definition, Causes & Symptoms

Url:https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-asphyxia-definition-causes-symptoms.html

31 hours ago  · Asphyxia is a serious medical condition in which the body cannot get enough oxygen or has too much carbon dioxide to function properly. Learn about the definition, causes, and symptoms of asphyxia.

4.Asphyxia Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Url:https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxia

24 hours ago Asphyxia or asphyxiation is a condition of deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing. An example of asphyxia is choking. Asphyxia causes generalized hypoxia, which affects primarily the tissues and organs.

5.What does asphyxia mean in medical terms? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-does-asphyxia-mean-in-medical-terms

18 hours ago  · Asphyxia: Impaired breathing that results in severely decreased delivery of oxygen to body tissues. Asphyxia can be fatal. Choking is an example of asphyxia. Traumatic asphyxia is an uncommon cause that results from an intense compression of the chest area. Asphyxia is also known as asphyxiation. CONTINUE SCROLLING OR CLICK HERE.

6.Asphyxiation: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/asphyxiation

30 hours ago Medical Definition of asphyxia. : a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that is usually caused by interruption of breathing and that …

7.Asphyxiation | definition of asphyxiation by Medical …

Url:https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/asphyxiation

31 hours ago Now working for the promotion of medical literacy (1992–present) Author has 13.6K answers and 4.3M answer views 2 y. Asphyxia or asphyxiation is a condition of deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing. An example of asphyxia is choking. More answers below. Rhonda Webster.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9