Oxygen is an essential element for most living creatures. It is needed by the cells in our body to produce energy and keep us alive. Without oxygen, our brain, heart, and other vital organs stop functioning, leading to death.

But how long can humans survive without oxygen? Let’s find out.

What Happens When We Stop Breathing?

When we inhale, oxygen is taken into our lungs and transported to the rest of our body through the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is then exhaled from our lungs.

If we stop breathing, our body’s oxygen supply is cut off, and carbon dioxide begins to build up in the bloodstream.

Within minutes of oxygen deprivation, our brain cells begin to die, leading to unconsciousness. Without oxygen, our heart’s electrical activity becomes irregular, and it may stop beating altogether.

Other organs, such as the kidneys and liver, also begin to fail in the absence of oxygen.

How Long Can We Survive Without Oxygen?

The length of time a person can survive without oxygen depends on several factors, including age, health, and the cause of oxygen deprivation. Let’s explore them one by one.

Age

Generally, younger people can survive longer without oxygen than older ones. This is because younger bodies have a higher oxygen reserve and can tolerate low oxygen levels better.

Studies have shown that newborn babies can survive for several minutes without oxygen before brain damage occurs, while older adults may only survive for a few minutes.

Health

Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, may have a reduced oxygen reserve and be more susceptible to the effects of oxygen deprivation.

In contrast, healthy individuals may be able to tolerate low oxygen levels for longer periods.

Cause of Oxygen Deprivation

The cause of oxygen deprivation also plays a significant role in survival time. For example, drowning victims who are submerged in cold water may survive longer without oxygen than those exposed to warm water.

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This is because cold water can slow down the body’s metabolic processes and reduce the body’s need for oxygen. Similarly, individuals who experience oxygen deprivation due to high altitude may experience symptoms of hypoxia, such as dizziness and shortness of breath, but may still be able to survive for several hours.

What Factors Affect Survival Time?

Several factors can affect how long a person can survive without oxygen in various scenarios. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Duration of Oxygen Deprivation

The longer a person goes without oxygen, the higher the chance of brain damage and other severe health complications. As a general rule, irreversible brain damage can occur after four to six minutes of oxygen deprivation.

In addition, cardiac arrest may occur within the first few minutes of oxygen deprivation, leading to rapid death.

Body Temperature

The body’s temperature can affect how long a person can survive without oxygen. For example, individuals who have hypothermia (low body temperature) may be able to tolerate low oxygen levels for a longer time than those with a normal temperature.

Environment

The environment can also affect how long a person can survive without oxygen.

For example, individuals who suffer oxygen deprivation in a cold, high-altitude environment may have a better chance of survival than those in warm, low-altitude environments.

Treatment

If a person receives medical attention quickly after experiencing oxygen deprivation, they may have a better chance of survival.

Treatment may include administering oxygen, providing medications to support vital organ function, and in some cases, initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

In Conclusion

In summary, the length of time a person can survive without oxygen depends on several factors, including age, health, cause of oxygen deprivation, and other factors.

Some people may be able to survive for several minutes without oxygen, while others may only have seconds. It’s crucial to remember that the longer a person goes without oxygen, the higher the chance of severe complications and death.