Asphyxia is a condition that occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygen.
It can have various causes such as choking, drowning, allergic reactions, asthma, or chemical inhalation.
Asphyxia can lead to serious complications such as brain damage or death if not treated promptly. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of asphyxia.
Some of the common symptoms of asphyxia are:
• Difficulty breathing or gasping for air.
• Bluish or pale skin, lips, and nails.
• Confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.
• Rapid or weak pulse.
• Seizures or convulsions.
🔅 Prevention of Asphyxia:
• Avoiding substances that trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks.
• Wearing a life jacket when swimming or boating.
• Installing carbon monoxide detectors in the home and car.
• Avoiding inhalant abuse.
• Practicing safe sex and avoiding erotic asphyxiation.
🔅 Treatment for asphyxia:
• Removing the cause of oxygen deprivation, such as clearing the airway, performing CPR, or administering oxygen.
• Giving epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis
• Giving medication to treat asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• Providing supportive care and monitoring vital signs
– Asphyxia is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of asphyxia, call 911 or seek medical help right away.
🔅 How Carbon monoxide causes Asphyxia:
– Carbon monoxide causes asphyxia by interfering with the body's ability to use oxygen. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter such as fuels, wood, or charcoal.
– When a person inhales carbon monoxide, it binds to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, which is the protein that normally carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Carbon monoxide has a much higher affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, meaning that it displaces oxygen from the binding sites. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported and delivered to the cells.
– As a result, the cells become starved of oxygen and cannot perform their normal functions. This can affect various organs and systems in the body such as the brain, heart, muscles, and nerves. Depending on the level and duration of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, chest pain, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it can lead to coma, seizures, cardiac arrest, brain damage, or death.
– Carbon monoxide poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with 100% oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to avoid exposure to sources of carbon monoxide such as faulty heaters, engines, or appliances.
It is important to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, car and to check them regularly.
