If laryngospasm successfully prevents water from entering the lungs, what condition still results from the inability to inhale air?
Answer
asphyxia because air cannot enter.
Laryngospasm is a powerful physiological blockade where the vocal cords seal shut to defend the lower airways against liquid intrusion. While this prevents the immediate flooding of the lungs, this protective mechanism concurrently stops the intake of essential atmospheric air. If this complete closure persists, the individual experiences profound asphyxia—a severe lack of oxygen—because no air can pass the obstruction to reach the alveoli for gas exchange. This scenario illustrates that the immediate danger is the interruption of oxygen intake, regardless of whether the lungs themselves become flooded with water.
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