Smothering is the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the mouth and/or nostrils, for instance, by covering the mouth and nose with a hand, pillow, or a plastic bag. Smothering can be either partial or complete, where partial indicates that the person being smothered is able to inhale some air, although less than required. In a normal situation, smothering requires at least partial obstruction of both the nasal cavities and the mouth to lead to asphyxia. Smothering with the hands or chest is used in some combat sports to distract the opponent, and create openings for transitions, as the opponent is forced to react to the smothering.
The body creates the need to breathe from the excess carbon dioxide in
the lungs; and yet the body has no way to detect the absence of oxygen.
Many gases, though non-toxic, are classified as simple asphyxiants in
their pure form or in high concentrations for this very reason.
One form of asphyxiation is from entering a low oxygen atmosphere or an
inert atmosphere, such as in a food oil tank that has a covering
blanket of nitrogen or argon to shield the oil from atmospheric oxygen,
thus preventing rancidity. In the absence or near absence of sufficient
oxygen to sustain life, people act normally but with no warning they
simply feel dizzy and then black out in a matter of seconds as the
remaining oxygen in the blood stream is consumed. Oxygen deficient
atmospheres are the basis for many single and multiple deaths
occurring; the deceased will be observed lying prone in the bottom of a
tank, and then the observer will rush in to rescue them, and succumb to
the same effect, hence the need to vent or purge the inert gases from
all tanks before entry.
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