Asphyxia - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which specialist doctor should I consult for asphyxia?

General physicians and Chest Physicianswill primarily treat asphyxia-related medical conditions. Cases of traumatic asphyxia are handled by General surgeons and Neurosurgeons.

2. What is birth asphyxia?

Perinatal asphyxia happens when a baby doesn't get enough oxygen during birth, leading to serious health problems. This can affect vital organs like the brain, heart, and muscles. If the oxygen shortage is severe, it can lead to low oxygen levels and compromise a baby's brain function(13^✔).

3. How do you detect birth asphyxia?

Birth asphyxia can be detected by identifying a low umbilical cord blood pH (below 7.00) and a prolonged APGAR score of zero to three. Other signs include problems with the baby's nervous system, breathing, blood pressure, and overall organ function(14^✔).

4. What is an APGAR score?

The APGAR stands for appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. It is a test that is carried out immediately after a baby is born. This examination assesses the baby's heart rate, muscles, and other indications to see if they require more medical attention. The test is normally performed twice, one minute and five minutes after birth, and may be repeated if there are concerns about the baby's health(15^✔, 16^✔).

5. What is blue baby syndrome at birth?

Blue baby syndrome, also known as Infant Methemoglobinemia, causes bluish skin due to lack of oxygen. It is usually associated with cardiac problems such as Tetralogy of Fallot, nitrate poisoning, Down syndrome, and poorly controlled gestational diabetes. This blue color will be prominent on the tip of the nose, tongue, earlobes, and finger nails.

6. Can birth asphyxia cause death?

Yes, birth asphyxia can cause death if it ends up in severe complications like hypoxic ischemic organ damage, which can lead to organ failure and ultimately death(17^✔).

7. What is the first aid for asphyxia?

When someone suffers from asphyxia, it's a serious emergency.Necessary steps should be taken quickly to clear the airways, ensureadequate oxygen supply and shift the patient to the hospital. Special procedures may be needed for certain problems, and medical treatment is crucial for conditions like severe asthma(18^✔).

8. What is sexual asphyxia?

Those who engage in specific sexual practices, such as careful hanging or electrical stimulation, can suffer unintentional injuries due to accidental asphyxiation. Some males may have sexual hallucinations as a result of partial asphyxia, which is brought on by pressure on the neck veins or airway occlusioncalled erotic asphyxiation. It can lead to unintentional deaths, most often involving young men in isolated settings with locked doors and, at times, carried out in pairs. They are frequently linked to abnormal sexual activities like transvestism and masochism(2^✔).

9. What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological conditions resulting from brain injury either before, during, or after birth that impair movement and coordination. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, supportive therapy, drugs, and even surgery may significantly improve movement and speech, and the overall quality of life(19^✔). Birth asphyxia is one of the contributing factors to cerebral palsy(20^✔).

10. What is the difference between asphyxia and hypoxia?

In physiology, asphyxia and hypoxia both imply an insufficient delivery of oxygen to cells and tissues. The main difference is that asphyxia is caused by an injury or blockage to the airway, whereas hypoxia is caused by inadequate oxygen supply, absorption, or use by the body's tissues(21^✔).

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