A state in living organism, in which
there is acute lack of Oxygen available for cell metabolism associated
with inability of body to eliminate excess of Carbon Dioxide.The use of term Asphyxia in Forensic
Field is restricted to those forms of Oxygen lack (Anoxia, Hypoxia) which results from mechanical interference with the process of
respiration.
ASPHYXIAL DEATH CLASSIFICATION:-
1.Mechanical :
Air passages mechanically blocked.
(a) Closure of
external respiratory orifices : Smothering
(b) Closure of air passages by external
pressure on neck : Hanging, Strangulation.
(c) Closure of air passages from within : Choking
(d) Prevention of air entry by water or fluid : Drowning
(e) Prevention/restriction of respiratory
movements : Traumatic asphyxia
2.Pathological :
Air entry prevented by some pathological process in respiratory
passages/lungs.
- Laryngeal spasm
- Acute edema of glottis
- Tumors / abscess
- Paralysis of respiratory muscles.
3. Toxic :
(a) Impairment of capacity of hemoglobin to find oxygen : CO
poisoning
(b) Inhibition of resp. enzymes : Cyanide poisoning
(c) Paralysis of resp. center : Opium, Barbiturates etc.
(d) Paralysis of resp. muscles : Gelsemium.
4.Environmental :
(a) Insufficiency of oxygen in the inspired air : Enclosed places, High attitudes.
(b) Exposure
to irrespirable gases: Sewer gas, CO, C02 etc.
5.Traumatic :
(a) Pulmonary embolism
(b) Pulm. fat embolism
(c) Pulm. air embolism
(d) Bilateral pneumothorax
6. Iatrogenic : Anesthetic mishaps.
- STAGES OF ASPHYXIA
1. Struggle – (Dyspnea), forceful
breathing
2. Quiescence –
unconscious , lifeless,
Stop of breathing
3. Convulsions –
disturbs scene, incontinence,
spasmodic movements
4. Respiratory Failure - lifeless , weak pulse,
Terminal stage.
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