Asphyxia: Impaired breathing that results in severely decreased delivery of oxygen to body tissues. Asphyxia can be fatal. Choking is an example of asphyxia. Traumatic asphyxia is an uncommon cause that results from an intense compression of the chest area. Asphyxia is also known as asphyxiation.
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References
Kasper, D., et al. "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw-Hill Education/Medical. 19th edition. 2015