Asphyxia

Question 1

What is asphyxia

Answer 1

Asphyxia is blockage of oxygen to the tissues of the body.

Question 2

Causes of Asphyxia

Answer 2

Mechanical obstruction e.g. choking, strangulation, drowning, suffocation.
Electrical shock- caused by electrical current.
Gases e.g. Exhaust fumes and smoke inhalation.
Nerve poisons e.g bites of certain snakes, stings of spiders and scorpions, causing the tissues of the throat to swell.
N.B The tongue is the most common cause of asphyxia.

Question 3

Signs and symptoms of asphyxia

Answer 3

• Difficulty in breathing
• Breathing may become noisy
• Possible frothing at the mouth
• Blueness of lips, finger tips
• Anxious and restless
• Confusion
• Possible unconsciousness
• Breathing may stop

Question 4

Aim of treatment

Answer 4

Improve oxygen to brain

Question 5

Assessment and treatment of Asphyxia

Answer 5

Assessment entails the first two steps that you take as outlined in Emergency Scene Management.(ESM)
Treatment is administration of Artificial Ventilation (AV)
OR Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) i.e. combination of AV & AC – Artificial Circulation, if asphyxia is accompanied by Cardiac Arrest (CA).
- Next is the outlined steps in administration of artificial ventilation.