A lack of oxygen getting into the lungs. May be caused by a blockage of the windpipe, pressure on the chest, or insufficient supply of oxygen in the air being breathed asphyxiation.
The act of making someone become unconscious by cutting off his or her supply of air.
Severe oxygen deprivation that leads to a life-threatening deficiency of oxygen in the blood. Episodes involving suffocation may injure the lungs and reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to vital organs. Permanent damage to the brain and heart may also occur. Survival generally depends on how quickly breathing and lung function are restored and how soon oxygen reaches the vital organs of the person who is suffocating.
Cessation of breathing as a result of drowning, smothering, etc., leading to unconsciousness or death.
Deprivation of air exchange (e.g., by drowning, smothering, or other forms of airway obstruction) that produces an intense sensation of air hunger.
A fatal injury caused by an inability to breathe when the nose and mouth are blocked or when the body becomes oxygen-deficient.
A state characterized by insufficient oxygen caused by a blockage that hampers the flow of air into the lungs.
The cessation of breathing.