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.

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.

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.

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.