A condition of insufficient oxygen and accumulating carbon dioxide in the blood and tissues due to interference with respiration, asphyxia results in cardiopulmonary arrest. Without prompt treatment, it’s fatal.
Asphyxia results from any condition or substance that inhibits respiration:
Depending on the duration and degree of asphyxia, common signs and symptoms include anxiety, dyspnea, agitation and confusion leading to coma, altered respiratory rate (apnea, bradypnea, or occasional tachypnea), decreased breath sounds, central and peripheral cyanosis (cherry-red mucous membranes in late-stage carbon monoxide poisoning), seizures, and fast, slow, or absent pulse.
Patient history and laboratory test results support the diagnosis. Pulse oximetry reveals decreased hemoglobin (Hb) saturation with oxygen except in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning where Hb is bound by the toxicant, falsely elevating the saturation value. Arterial blood gas analysis, the most important test, indicates decreased partial pressure of oxygen (less than 60 mm Hg) and increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (greater than 50 mm Hg). Chest X-rays may show a foreign body, pulmonary edema, or atelectasis. Toxicology tests may show drugs, or chemicals. Abnormal Hb levels may also be detected in a complete blood count. Pulmonary function tests may indicate respiratory muscle weakness.
Asphyxia requires immediate respiratory support — with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, endotracheal intubation, and supplemental oxygen as needed. The underlying cause must be remedied: bronchoscopy for extraction of a foreign body; a narcotic antagonist, such as naloxone, for narcotic overdose; gastric lavage for poisoning; and limited, graded use of supplemental oxygen for carbon dioxide narcosis caused by excessive oxygen therapy.
CLINICAL TIP: To prevent drug-induced asphyxia, warn patients about the danger of taking alcohol with other central nervous system depressants.
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Stillbirth:
Copyright Details: Handbook of Diseases, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
|
More About This Book:
Title: Handbook of Diseases Authors: Springhouse Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 1-58255-266-5 
|
|
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
