What is asphyxia?

Asphyxia refers to a condition in which the body is deprived of oxygen, which can occur due to various reasons such as choking, drowning, or exposure to toxic gases. When there is a lack of oxygen, the body's organs and tissues are unable to function properly, which can lead to serious health consequences, including loss of consciousness and potentially death if not promptly addressed.

While excessive bleeding can lead to shock and decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, it is not identical to asphyxia. Similarly, a slow heart rate can impact circulation but does not inherently mean that a person is experiencing a lack of oxygen. Severe dehydration affects fluid levels in the body and can lead to various complications, but it does not specifically denote an absence of oxygen. Thus, the definition of asphyxia is most accurately captured by the concept of a lack of oxygen.