Positional asphyxia is a rare but serious condition that occurs when a person’s position prevents them from taking in enough oxygen. It can occur in a variety of situations, including during medical procedures, during sleep, or during physical restraint.
What Is Positional Asphyxia?
Positional asphyxia is a form of asphyxiation that occurs when a person’s physical position prevents them from taking in enough oxygen. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including being in a confined space, being restrained, being in an awkward body position, or by being unable to move in order to clear an airway. Positional asphyxia can also occur during medical procedures, such as sedation or anesthesia, when a patient is not properly monitored.
What Are The Risk Factors For Positional Asphyxia?
Positional asphyxia can occur in a variety of situations, but there are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of it occurring. These risk factors include: being overweight or obese, having a medical condition, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and being restrained in a way that limits the ability to take in sufficient oxygen.
How Common Is Positional Asphyxia?
Positional asphyxia is a rare condition, but it can be serious and even fatal if not treated quickly and correctly. According to the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, it is estimated that between 0.5 and 1.5 people per 100,000 die from positional asphyxia each year. However, the exact incidence of positional asphyxia is not known as it is often misdiagnosed or not reported.
