Classification of Asphyxia in Forensic Medicine
Asphyxia is a medical term used to describe the lack of oxygen to the body's tissues resulting in death. In the field of forensic medicine, asphyxia can be classified into four broad categories: mechanical, chemical, positional, and drowning.
Mechanical Asphyxia is caused by mechanical obstruction of the airways, such as strangulation or suffocation. This type of asphyxia can typically be determined by an examination of the victim's neck or chest.
Chemical Asphyxia is caused by the inhalation of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, cyanide or hydrogen sulfide. This type of asphyxia is usually determined by a toxicological examination.
Positional Asphyxia is caused by an inability to breathe due to the positioning of the body in a confined space, such as a car trunk. Positional asphyxia is usually determined by an examination of the scene of the incident.
Drowning is caused by the inhalation of liquid, such as water or other fluids, into the lungs. Drowning is usually determined by an examination of the lungs and other organs.