Asphyxia or Drowning

Asphyxia or drowning describes the lack of oxygen that occurs when something prevents air from entering the lungs, whether due to obstruction of the airway or submersion in water or another liquid. It is an emergency that affects breathing and the oxygenation of the body.

Warning signs: difficulty or absence of breathing, bluish coloring of the lips and skin, intense coughing, agitation, or loss of consciousness.

When to seek help? In the face of any choking episode that does not resolve or a rescue from the water, it is advisable to activate emergency services immediately, since every minute matters.

Which specialist treats it? In the acute moment, the emergency physician and, in children, the pediatrician step in; the subsequent follow-up may include internists or other professionals depending on the organs affected. If you have doubts about prevention or aftereffects, the most sensible thing is to raise them with a qualified health professional.