The game of suffocation, can cause death or leave severe sequelae such as blindness or paraplegia. It is a sort of "choking game", usually practiced by young people and adolescents where it causes intentional asphyxiation, in order to interrupt the passage of blood and oxygen to the brain.
The game seems exciting because it produces adrenaline by depriving the brain of oxygen, which causes fainting, vertigo and euphoria. But these sensations that arise due to the adrenaline peaks that the body produces in response to the danger situation are very harmful and can easily kill.
How the game is practiced
The game can be practiced using one's hands to tighten the neck but the "fainting game" can also be practiced in other ways, which include punching the chest, pressing the chest or practicing a quick short breath for a few minutes. way to get fainted.
In addition, it can also be done with other forms of strangulation like a belt, scarf, scarf or rope around the neck or with heavy weight accessories, like a box bag, stuck in the ceiling.
The so-called "joke" can be practiced alone or in a group, and the person suffers from asphyxiation can stand, sit or lie down. The experience is often recorded, later to be seen by friends in social networks.
What are the risks of this game?
The practice of this game can have several health risks that most young people are unaware of, being considered by many as an innocent and risk-free "joke". The main risk of this "joke" is death, which can arise as a result of the stopping of vital functions of the body, due to the deprivation of oxygen that happens in the brain.
Other risks of lack of oxygen in the brain include:
- Temporary or permanent blindness;
- Paraplegia;
- Loss of sphincter control, no longer controlling when evacuating or peeing;
- Cardiorespiratory arrest, which may occur after 5 minutes without oxygen;
- Seizures or epilepsy.
What signs to watch out for
Until a few years ago, many adults and parents did not know this "game", so well known and practiced by teenagers. This is because it is not easy for parents to identify if their child has also joined the "joke", so it is important to be aware of the following signs:
- Red eyes;
- Migraines or frequent headaches;
- Signs of redness or marks on the neck;
- Bad mood and daily or frequent irritability.
In addition, the most frequent practitioners of this game tend to be more introverted adolescents, who have difficulty integrating or making friends, like to isolate themselves or to spend many hours locked in the room.
The game of suffocation is practiced by young people for a variety of reasons, and can be used as a way to integrate into a particular group, to become popular or to know the limits of one's own body, being in these cases practiced to kill curiosity.
How to protect your child
The best way to protect your child from this and other risky practices is to be attentive to the signs of his or her behavior by learning to interpret if your child is sad, upset, distant, restless or has difficulty making friends or integrating in school.
In addition, many children and teenagers who practice this game are not aware that they put their lives at risk. So talking to your child and explaining the possible consequences of this joke, such as blindness or cardiorespiratory arrest, can also be a good approach.
