TRAUMATIC ASPHYXIA Meaning and
Definition
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Traumatic asphyxia is a medical condition that occurs when there is severe compression or crushing force applied to the chest, leading to a disruption in normal breathing and a lack of oxygen supply to the body tissues. This condition is typically the result of a traumatic event, such as a heavy object falling onto the chest or being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
The compression force exerted on the chest during a traumatic event causes a sudden increase in pressure within the thorax, compromising the ability of the person to take in air and effectively exhale. As a consequence, there is a decreased availability of oxygen in the blood, leading to tissue hypoxia and potential damage to vital organs.
Common signs and symptoms of traumatic asphyxia include rapid and shallow breathing, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes), distended neck veins, and swelling in the face and neck. People with this condition might also experience dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness due to the lack of oxygen reaching the brain.
Immediate medical attention is required to manage traumatic asphyxia. Treatment options often involve the administration of supplemental oxygen, securing and protecting the airway, as well as addressing any associated injuries. Depending on the severity of the condition, other interventions like intravenous fluids and chest tube placement may be required.
Although rare, traumatic asphyxia can be a life-threatening condition if not promptly treated. It is crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible after experiencing a traumatic event that may have caused chest compression.
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Pressure stasis, ecchymotic mask.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRAUMATIC ASPHYXIA
- rraumatic asphyxia
- fraumatic asphyxia
- graumatic asphyxia
- yraumatic asphyxia
- 6raumatic asphyxia
- 5raumatic asphyxia
- teaumatic asphyxia
- tdaumatic asphyxia
- tfaumatic asphyxia
- ttaumatic asphyxia
- t5aumatic asphyxia
- t4aumatic asphyxia
- trzumatic asphyxia
- trsumatic asphyxia
- trwumatic asphyxia
- trqumatic asphyxia
- traymatic asphyxia
- trahmatic asphyxia
- trajmatic asphyxia
- traimatic asphyxia
Etymology of TRAUMATIC ASPHYXIA
The word "traumatic asphyxia" is a medical term used to describe a condition resulting from severe compression or crushing of the chest and abdomen, leading to a sudden increase in pressure within the thoracic cavity. This increase in pressure can cause blood and other fluids to be forced out of the small blood vessels, resulting in cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration), edema (swelling), and difficulty in breathing.
In terms of etymology, the word "traumatic" comes from the Latin word "trauma", meaning "wound" or "injury". "Asphyxia", on the other hand, is derived from the Greek word "asphyktos", which translates to "stifling" or "stopping of the pulse".
