Asphyxial death is a type of death caused by lack of oxygen to the body. It is also known as suffocation, strangulation, choking, and drowning. It can occur in a variety of ways, including strangulation, drowning, choking, positional asphyxia, and chemical asphyxia.
Strangulation
Strangulation is a type of asphyxial death caused when a person’s airway is blocked or restricted, preventing them from breathing. This can happen from a variety of sources, such as a cord, rope, or other object being wrapped around the neck and tightened. It can also happen from someone squeezing the neck with their hands. Strangulation can also be caused by a person’s clothing, such as a scarf or shirt collar, being pulled tightly around the neck.
Drowning
Drowning is a type of asphyxial death caused when a person’s airway is submerged in water and they are unable to breathe. This can happen in any body of water, including a pool, bathtub, lake, river, or ocean. Drowning can also occur in very shallow water, such as a puddle or even a sink.
Choking
Choking is a type of asphyxial death that occurs when an object, such as food, gets lodged in a person’s throat and blocks their airway. Choking can also be caused by a person’s tongue rolling back and blocking their airway.
Positional Asphyxia
Positional asphyxia is a type of asphyxial death caused by the body’s position preventing a person from breathing. This can happen if a person is in an awkward position, such as lying face down or on their side, causing their airway to be restricted or blocked. It can also happen if a person’s clothing is too tight or constrictive, such as a belt, scarf, or shirt collar, preventing them from taking in enough air.
Chemical Asphyxia
Chemical asphyxia is a type of asphyxial death caused by a person breathing in a chemical that prevents them from getting enough oxygen. This can happen from breathing in carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that is found in exhaust fumes, or from breathing in other chemicals such as chlorine or sulfur dioxide.