Asphyxial death is a condition in which death occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the body. It can occur due to various causes, such as drowning, strangulation, choking, and suffocation. This article aims to discuss the general features of asphyxial death.
Causes of Asphyxial Death
The most common causes of asphyxial death are drowning, strangulation, choking, and suffocation. Drowning occurs when a person's lungs are deprived of oxygen due to submersion in water. Strangulation occurs when the airway is blocked due to tight pressure around the neck. Choking occurs when a foreign object blocks the airway. Suffocation occurs when the air surrounding a person has a low concentration of oxygen.
Clinical Features of Asphyxial Death
The clinical features of asphyxial death depend on the cause. Generally, the person may experience difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and cyanosis. Cyanosis is a condition in which the skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen in the blood. In the case of drowning, the person may also experience hypotension, hypothermia, and vomiting.
Postmortem Findings of Asphyxial Death
At autopsy, the most common findings in asphyxial death are petechial hemorrhages in the eyes, face, and neck. Other findings include frothy fluid in the airways, and congestion of the lungs. The lungs may also show signs of pulmonary edema, which is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, asphyxial death is a condition in which death occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the body. It can occur due to various causes, such as drowning, strangulation, choking, and suffocation. The clinical features and postmortem findings of asphyxial death depend on the cause.
