How long can you go without oxygen before you die?

As a respiratory expert with a focus on the human respiratory system, I can tell you that the duration a person can survive without oxygen, or more specifically, without breathing, is a complex matter and can vary greatly depending on several factors including health, age, physical fitness, and environmental conditions. Under normal circumstances, five to ten minutes without oxygen can lead to a loss of consciousness. After this period, the brain and other vital organs start to suffer irreversible damage due to the lack of oxygen. However, there are cases where individuals have survived longer due to unique circumstances. For instance, if a person is exposed to cold water, which can slow the body's metabolism, the time without oxygen might be extended because the body's oxygen demand decreases. It's important to note that the five to ten minutes frame is a general guideline and the actual time can be shorter or longer. Hypothermia, as mentioned, is one exception where survival times might be extended. But in general, the human body is highly dependent on oxygen, and going without it for an extended period can result in severe health consequences or death.

Originally Answered: How long human can survive without oxygen? After five to ten minutes of not breathing, you are likely to develop serious and possibly irreversible brain damage. The one exception is when a younger person stops breathing and also becomes very cold at the same time.