When a person dies from suffocation, there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate the cause of death. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of suffocation are:
Blue Skin and Lips
A person who has died from suffocation will typically have blue skin and lips due to a lack of oxygen in their bloodstream. This is a sign that the person has been deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time.
Agonal Breathing
Agonal breathing is another sign that a person may have died from suffocation. Agonal breathing is a shallow, ineffective form of breathing that is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Fluid in the Lungs
If a person has died from suffocation, there may be fluid in their lungs. This fluid is often a mixture of saliva, mucus, and blood, which is an indication of the person being deprived of oxygen.
Swelling of the Tongue
Swelling of the tongue is another sign of suffocation. This occurs because the person was unable to breathe and the oxygen in their body was being depleted.
Distended Neck Veins
Distended neck veins are another sign that a person has died from suffocation. This occurs when the veins become swollen due to a lack of oxygen in the body.
Inability to Speak or Move
If a person was unable to speak or move before they died, this may be an indication that they died from suffocation. This is because the lack of oxygen in their body caused their muscles to become weak and unable to move.
These are some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a person has died from suffocation. It is important to note that these signs and symptoms may be present in other causes of death, so it is important to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis.