Asphyxia

Beta Ahlam Gizela

Asphyxia
Asphyxiation, from the Greek literally
means "without heartbeat
A condition in which insufficient or no
oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged
on a ventilation basis.
Forensic pathology
In the field of forensic pathology, asphyxia
is considered to be a consequence of a
struggle to breathe against some
mechanical interference with respiration.
Special Definition
The condition of lacking oxygen or being
unable to breath.
A pathological condition caused by lack of
oxygen, manifested in impending or actual
cessation of life.
Cause
Mechanical
Chocking, smothering, strangulation, etc
Disease
Seizure, sleep apnea, acute respiratory distress syndrome, etc
Chemical
Carbon monoxide inhalation, drug overdose, contact with certain
chemicals, including pulmonary agents (such as phosgene) and
blood agents (such as hydrogen cyanide), etc
Physical
Self-induced hypocapnia by hyperventilation, as in shallow water
or deep water blackout
Exposure to extreme low pressure or vacuum, etc



General Autopsy Findings in
Asphyxial Deaths
Their prominence will vary with individual
cases and petechial hemorrhages, in
particular, may be completely absent, or
extremely rare.
It is also important to note that all of the
findings in asphyxial deaths may be found,
on occasion, in other circumstances.
General Autopsy Findings in
Asphyxial Deaths
Pulmonary edema, with froth in trachea
and bronchi.
Bulky, crepitant and over-distended lungs.
Right ventricular dilatation.
Petechial hemorrhages on the conjunctival
and facial tissue, usually above the level of
the airway obstruction in strangulation
cases.