Signs of Asphyxiation
Asphyxiation is a type of death caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. It can occur in many different ways, but some of the most common signs of asphyxiation are:
Blue Skin: When a person is deprived of oxygen, their skin can take on a bluish tint, especially around the lips and fingernails.
Gasping: Gasping for breath is a telltale sign that someone is having difficulty breathing and may be in the process of asphyxiating.
Loss of Consciousness: When someone has been deprived of oxygen for too long, they can lose consciousness.
Unresponsive to Stimuli: If a person is unresponsive to stimuli, such as shouting or shaking, they may be in the process of asphyxiating.
Diagnosing Asphyxiation
If a person is suspected of having died from asphyxiation, a doctor will investigate the cause of death to determine if it was, in fact, asphyxiation. This involves examining the person's medical history, looking for signs of asphyxiation, and performing toxicology tests.
Examining the Medical History: A doctor will review the person's medical history to see if they had any conditions that could have led to asphyxiation.
Looking for Signs of Asphyxiation: The doctor will also look for physical signs of asphyxiation, such as blue skin or gasping for breath.
Performing Toxicology Tests: Toxicology tests are used to determine if any drugs or toxins were present in the person's system at the time of death. This can help to confirm whether or not the person died from asphyxiation.
Conclusion
If a person is suspected of having died from asphyxiation, a doctor will investigate the cause of death to determine if it was, in fact, asphyxiation. This involves examining the person's medical history, looking for signs of asphyxiation, and performing toxicology tests. If the tests confirm that the person died from asphyxiation, the doctor can then make an official diagnosis and provide the family with closure.