The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

asphyxia

IPA:

Dictionary definition of asphyxia

A condition in which the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to suffocation or even death.
"Drowning is a common cause of asphyxia."

Detailed meaning of asphyxia

This can occur when the airways become obstructed, when the amount of oxygen in the air is reduced, or when the lungs are unable to extract enough oxygen from the air. Asphyxia can result from a variety of factors, including drowning, choking, carbon monoxide poisoning, strangulation, and drug overdose. Symptoms of asphyxia can include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Prompt intervention, such as removing the obstruction or administering oxygen, can often prevent serious harm or even save a life.

Example sentences containing asphyxia

1. The lifeguard's quick action prevented the swimmer from succumbing to asphyxia.
2. The doctor explained the dangers of asphyxia in a choking incident.
3. Firefighters rescued the trapped family from the house, averting asphyxia.
4. The tight rope around her neck threatened to cause asphyxia.
5. Carbon monoxide detectors are crucial in preventing home asphyxia.
6. CPR can be a lifesaver in cases of near asphyxia.

History and etymology of asphyxia

The noun 'asphyxia' has its etymological origins in ancient Greek. It is formed from the Greek words 'a-' (meaning 'without') and 'sphyxis' (meaning 'pulse' or 'heartbeat'). In ancient Greek medicine, 'asphyxia' referred to a condition in which a person's vital signs, including the pulse or heartbeat, were absent or severely diminished due to suffocation or lack of oxygen. The term emphasized the life-threatening nature of the condition. Over time, 'asphyxia' was adopted into Latin as 'asphyxia,' and from there, it entered various languages with its fundamental meaning preserved. Today, 'asphyxia' is used in the medical context to describe a state in which the body is deprived of oxygen, potentially leading to suffocation or even death. The etymology of 'asphyxia' underscores its historical association with the cessation of vital signs and the critical importance of oxygen for sustaining life.

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Further usage examples of asphyxia

1. The rescuer's timely arrival prevented asphyxia in the drowning victim.
2. Smoking increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can lead to asphyxia.
3. The paramedics administered oxygen to alleviate the patient's asphyxia.
4. Infants are particularly vulnerable to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which can result in asphyxia.
5. Swift response is vital in situations where someone is experiencing asphyxia.
6. She underwent surgery to correct the airway obstruction that caused asphyxia.
7. The training emphasized recognizing the signs of asphyxia in newborns.
8. Inhaling toxic fumes can lead to asphyxia and respiratory distress.
9. The firefighter suffered asphyxia while rescuing people from a burning building.
10. The drowning victim was revived after a brief period of asphyxia.
11. The medical team worked tirelessly to prevent asphyxia during the surgery.
12. The high-altitude climbers faced the risk of altitude-induced asphyxia.
13. The escape plan was critical in avoiding asphyxia during the fire.
14. Vigilance is essential to prevent asphyxia in confined spaces.
15. Choking on food can lead to asphyxia.
16. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause asphyxia.
17. Strangulation can result in asphyxia.
18. Drug overdose can lead to asphyxia.
19. Symptoms of asphyxia can include shortness of breath.
20. Chest pain is another symptom of asphyxia.
21. Dizziness is a common symptom of asphyxia.
22. Confusion can also be a symptom of asphyxia.
23. Loss of consciousness is a serious symptom of asphyxia.
24. Prompt intervention is crucial in preventing asphyxia-related harm.