Asphyxia vs. Choking — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Asphyxia involves a lack of oxygen supply to the body, often caused by multiple factors, while choking specifically results from a physical blockage in the airway.
Difference Between Asphyxia and Choking
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Asphyxia is a condition resulting from insufficient oxygen reaching the body’s tissues, which can be due to various reasons such as drowning, smoke inhalation, or medical conditions. On the other hand, choking is a form of asphyxia caused specifically by an obstruction in the throat or windpipe, usually by food or another object. While both lead to a decrease in oxygen available to the body, the causes and immediate responses required differ significantly.
Asphyxia can be gradual, depending on the cause, like carbon monoxide poisoning or a tight space restricting breathing. Conversely, choking is typically a sudden event that urgently requires physical intervention, such as the Heimlich maneuver, to clear the obstructed airway. This difference in the onset of symptoms plays a crucial role in how bystanders can effectively assist.
Symptoms of asphyxia, depending on its cause, might include general signs such as fainting, cyanosis, and confusion, which reflect the overall oxygen deprivation in the body. Whereas, choking is characterized by immediate signs like inability to speak, cough, or breathe, signaling the need for quick action to remove the blockage.
Management strategies for asphyxia involve addressing the underlying cause, such as removing a person from a smoke-filled room or administering appropriate medical care for conditions like asthma. In contrast, choking requires immediate mechanical intervention to remove the blockage and restore air passage.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Lack of oxygen supply to the body's tissues
Blockage of the airway by an object
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Causes
Drowning, smoke inhalation, strangulation, medical issues
Swallowed objects, food, small toys
Symptoms
Fainting, cyanosis, confusion
Inability to speak or breathe, coughing, panic
Required Response
Medical treatment, remove from danger
Heimlich maneuver, back slaps, emergency medical response
Onset
Can be gradual or sudden depending on cause
Usually sudden
Compare with Definitions
Asphyxia
A condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body.
The firefighters quickly administered oxygen to treat the smoke-induced asphyxia.
Choking
A medical emergency caused by a blockage of the airway.
He performed the Heimlich maneuver when he saw her choking.
Asphyxia
Often caused by an inability to breathe.
Asphyxia during the avalanche was a risk because of the confined space.
Choking
Typically occurs when food or another object gets stuck in the throat.
Choking incidents are common in children who swallow small items.
Asphyxia
Can result from choking, suffocation, or drowning.
The toddler was at risk of asphyxia from the small toy parts.
Choking
Immediate action is critical to prevent serious harm or death.
Recognizing the signs of choking, the teacher quickly intervened.
Asphyxia
Requires immediate medical assessment and intervention.
Paramedics confirmed asphyxia and prepared to intubate the patient.
Choking
Clearing the airway is the primary focus of response.
Choking can often be resolved with several sharp back slaps.
Asphyxia
Signs include blue skin, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Signs of asphyxia were evident, prompting urgent CPR.
Choking
Signs include gagging, inability to talk, and grabbing the throat.
The universal sign for choking is clutching the throat.
Asphyxia
Asphyxia or asphyxiation is a condition of deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing. An example of asphyxia is choking.
Choking
Choking occurs when breathing is impeded by a constricted or obstructed throat or windpipe. In some cases, the airflow is completely blocked, and in other cases, insufficient air passes through to the lungs, resulting in oxygen deprivation.
Asphyxia
Loss of consciousness due to the interruption of breathing and consequent anoxia.
Asphyxia may result from choking, drowning, electric shock, or injury.
Choking
To interfere with the respiration of by compression or obstruction of the larynx or trachea.
Asphyxia
Loss of consciousness due to the body's inability to deliver oxygen to its tissues, either by the breathing of air lacking oxygen or by the inability of the blood to carry oxygen.
Choking
To check or slow down the movement, growth, or action of
A garden that was choked by weeds.
Asphyxia
A condition in which insufficient or no oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged on a ventilatory basis; caused by choking or drowning or electric shock or poison gas
Choking
To block up or obstruct by filling or clogging
Mud choked the drainpipe.
Choking
To fill up completely; jam
Major commuter arteries were choked with stalled traffic.
Choking
To reduce the air intake of (a carburetor), thereby enriching the fuel mixture.
Choking
(Sports) To grip (a bat or racket, for example) at a point nearer the hitting surface.
Choking
To have difficulty in breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
Choking
To become blocked up or obstructed.
Choking
(Sports) To shorten one's grip on the handle of a bat or racket. Often used with up.
Choking
To fail to perform effectively because of nervous agitation or tension, especially in an athletic contest
Choked by missing an easy putt on the final hole.
Choking
The act or sound of choking.
Choking
Something that constricts or chokes.
Choking
A slight narrowing of the barrel of a shotgun serving to concentrate the shot.
Choking
A device used in an internal-combustion engine to enrich the fuel mixture by reducing the flow of air to the carburetor.
Choking
The fibrous inedible center of an artichoke head.
Choking
The process in which a person's airway becomes blocked, resulting in asphyxia in cases that are not treated promptly.
Choking
The act of coughing when a person finds it difficult to breath.
Choking
The act of trying to kill a person by strangulation.
Choking
Present participle of choke
Choking
That chokes; producing the feeling of strangulation.
Choking
Indistinct in utterance, as the voice of a person affected with strong emotion.
Choking
A condition caused by blocking the airways to the lungs (as with food or swelling of the larynx)
Choking
The act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe;
No evidence that the choking was done by the accused
Common Curiosities
What should you do if someone is choking?
If someone is choking, performing the Heimlich maneuver or giving back slaps can help clear the airway.
What is asphyxia?
Asphyxia is a condition caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body, which can be due to various factors including environmental conditions and physical obstructions.
What preventative measures can avoid choking?
To prevent choking, avoid giving small, hard foods to young children and keep small objects out of reach.
Are the signs of asphyxia and choking the same?
While some signs can overlap, asphyxia may present with generalized symptoms like cyanosis, whereas choking causes specific respiratory distress signals such as inability to speak or breathe.
What causes choking?
Choking is typically caused by a physical blockage in the airway, usually by food, toys, or other objects.
Can children and adults choke on the same objects?
While anyone can choke on anything small enough to obstruct the airway, children are particularly at risk for choking on toys and household items.
Can choking lead to asphyxia?
Yes, choking can lead to asphyxia if the airway blockage is not quickly resolved.
Can asphyxia occur underwater?
Yes, asphyxia can occur underwater, typically referred to as drowning, where water prevents breathing.
How can asphyxia be treated?
Treatment for asphyxia depends on the cause but generally involves ensuring the affected individual has adequate oxygen and addressing any underlying conditions.
What are the long-term effects of asphyxia?
Long-term effects of asphyxia can include brain damage and other serious health issues, depending on the duration and severity of the oxygen deprivation.
Is asphyxia always a critical condition?
Asphyxia is a serious condition that can lead to severe health consequences and requires immediate medical attention.
How do you administer first aid for asphyxia?
First aid for asphyxia includes ensuring the person has an open airway, administering oxygen if needed, and calling for emergency medical help.
What is the best way to help someone who is choking and cannot breathe?
The best immediate response for a choking person who cannot breathe is to perform the Heimlich maneuver until the blockage is cleared.
Why is timely intervention critical in cases of choking?
Timely intervention is crucial in choking cases because prolonged blockage can quickly lead to severe asphyxia, brain damage, or death.
What are common misconceptions about choking?
A common misconception is that a person choking can still speak or cough loudly; however, a severe blockage can prevent any sound.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
