Causes of Suffocation

Lack of Oxygen at high altitudes with low atmospheric pressure, causes suffocation to climbers.

Obstruction

Mass of food or foreign body such as artificial teeth etc in the air passage.

Tongue falling back in an unconscious patient.

Swelling of tissues of the throat and as a result of scalding ( boiling water) or injury, burns and corrosive.

Compression

Tying a rope or scarf tightly around the neck causing strangulation.

Hanging or throttling (applying pressure with fingers on the wind pipe).

Smothering like overlaying an infant: and unconscious person lying face downwards on a pillow, or plastic bags, or sheets covering face completely for some time.