Asphyxial Death

Introduction

• Asphyxia  is  defined  as  interference  with respiration  or due to  lack  of  O,  in  respired  air,  due to  which  the  tissue  or organ  is  deprived  of O₂, and  there  is  failure  to  eliminate  CO₂, causing  unconsciousness  or death.
• Hanging  is  the  form  of  asphlxia,  causedby suspension  of  the  body by a ligature  that  encircles  the  neckthe  constricting  force  being  weight  of the  body.
• Asphyxial death is diagnosed  by triad  of  the  following 

1.  Cyanosis 
2. Congestion  :  Due  to  increased  venous  pressure.
3.  Petechial  hemorrhages  (tardieu’s  spots)  :  Present  above  the  level  of obstruction  like  scalp,  eyebrows, face in  hanging or strangulation  and  above  the  level  of compression  in  traumatic  asphyxia.

• They  are  generally  Found  in  those  parts where  capillaries  are  least  supported, e.g. face,  conjunctivae,  epiglottis,  serous  surface  of  heart  and  lungs,  meninges  and  thymus.
• A method of homicidal smothering and traumatic asphyxia is known is Burking (To execute (someone) by suffocation so as to leave the body intact and suitable for dissection.)
• Tardieu’s  spots are  not pathiganic  of  asphlxia,  as they  are also  found  in  bleeding disorders  (scurvy,  leukemia);
• coronary  thrombosis;  electrocution;  poisoning,  anticoagulant  therapy  anil  blood  dyscrasia  (thrombocytopenia).
• Tardieu’s  spots  are  not  found  in  some  form  of  asphlxia,  e.g.  drowning.

mechanical  causes  of asphyxia  which  can  cause  violent

  asphyxial  death.  These  mechanicai causes  can  be  divided  into 

1. hanging,
2. strangulation,
3. suffocation,
4. drowning

Don’t Forget to Solve all the previous Year Question asked on Asphyxial Death