Asphyxia

**Definition:** Asphyxia is a life-threatening condition in which oxygen is prevented from reaching the tissues by obstruction of or damage to any part of the respiratory system. More generally the term indicates all the conditions generating impaired or impeded breathing.

**Exclusions:** - asphyxia due to carbon monoxide - asphyxia due to foreign body in respiratory tract - Asphyxia due to trauma