Fear of Suffocation

Before I even start talking about the fear of suffocation, what does suffocation mean? Suffocation is a situation whereby an individual faces acute shortage of air or instead breathing problems. Suffocation is synonymous to Asphyxiation or Asphyxia which is a scenario whereby there is inadequate oxygen supply to the body due to abnormal breathing. Asphyxia leads to generalized hypoxia, which affects the human body tissues and organs which can cause death. Often, the fear of suffocation tends to relate to claustrophobia which is the fear of enclosed spaces. People who fear suffocation worry of being in rooms without windows, small rooms, and even hot rooms fearing that they might not get adequate air.

Causes of suffocation

There are many causes of asphyxia, some of which are listed below: • Irritant gases, this is whereby irritant gases get into one's air passagern• Chocking from food, this happens when food goes into the wrong way when eating. Chocking can also be of vomit, blood or a broken tooth. • Asthma, Bronchial Asthma can cause suffocationrn• Compression, this means pressuring the windpipe by tying something like a rope around the neckrn• Throat tissue swellingrn• Lung collapse or chest compression, can be from a road accident or penetrating lung injury. • Unconsciously by the tongue falling to the back blocking the throat. • Fear of death, either far-off or imminent fearrn• Inadequate supply of oxygen in areas of high altitude low and atmospheric space. • Respiratory system conditions like rabies, paralysis, tetanus, etc. • Increased stress levels or tension • Strangulationrn• Deep sadnessrn• Anxietyrn• Drowning

Suffocation Symptoms

First phase

• Increased breathing rate. • Shortened breathing. • Swollen neck veinsrn• Face, lips, fingers, and nails turn bluern• Increased pulse rate.

Second face

• Partial or total Unconsciousnessrn• Froth forming in the mouthrn• Fits may occur

Solution to suffocation fear

Suffocation can be severe, mild or moderate. Fear and anxiety are the leading causes that might worsen the condition. It is very reasonable for one to experience breath shortness after exceeding regular body activity like climbing to a high altitude where the oxygen percentage is less in the air. The breathlessness does not mean you are suffocating as routine breathing returns after resting. However, in cases whereby the breath shortness can lead to suffocation, the following are the primary ways to manage the situation. • Deep breathingrnDeep breathing is also known as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing. Deep breath comes in handy when one is suffocating due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hot and still air also makes claustrophobic people feel breathless hence circulation of fresh air using ceiling fans could help them by facilitating the clean air movement needed to make them feel safe. • Steam inhalationrnSteam inhalation is helpful if the breathlessness is due to respiratory problems. It decongests the nasal passages. • DietrnIt is crucial to keep the body cleansed for a healthy nervous system. Hence, it is of importance to avoid refined sugars and bread, saturated fats and cow’s milk derivatives. Instead, eat fresh and steamed vegetable and essential foods to the nervous system. • MeditationrnMeditate and listen to yourself to find out what your fears are, what hurts you or makes you angry. After finding out your fears try to manage them by believing in oneself and knowing oneself better. • Daily Exercise to relieve stressrn• Attending bioenergetics sessionsrn• Swimming sessions also help to relax the body from stress.