Sunga, Ricol A.

5142-FSFORMED2
FS-301

Asphyxia

Asphyxia, a condition resulting from the deprivation of oxygen to body tissues, is a critical
concept in both medical and forensic sciences. It occurs when the body is unable to receive
an adequate supply of oxygen or remove carbon dioxide, leading to cellular hypoxia and
hypercapnia, which can have severe consequences on organ function, particularly the brain
and heart.

Asphyxia can manifest through various mechanisms:

Mechanical Asphyxia: This occurs when external forces physically obstruct the airways,
preventing oxygen intake. Examples include choking on food or foreign objects, compression
of the neck (such as in strangulation or hanging), or entrapment in a confined space with
limited oxygen supply.

Suffocation: It involves the deprivation of oxygen due to the inability to breathe fresh air. It
can happen in environments with low oxygen concentration, poorly ventilated spaces, or
when breathing gases other than oxygen (e.g., carbon monoxide). Plastic bags, pillows, or
blankets covering the nose and mouth can also cause suffocation.

Chemical Asphyxia: Certain chemicals like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, or toxins can
interfere with oxygen utilization at the cellular level. These substances bind to hemoglobin or
disrupt cellular respiration, leading to systemic hypoxia.

One specific scenario of asphyxia is positional asphyxia, where an individual's body position
restricts effective breathing. For example, being trapped in a narrow space or wedged
between objects may compress the chest or airway, impeding breathing and leading to
asphyxiation.

In forensic science, understanding asphyxia is crucial for determining the cause and manner
of death. Forensic pathologists examine the circumstances surrounding a death, including
physical evidence like ligature marks, signs of struggle, or environmental factors contributing
to asphyxiation.

Autopsies play a vital role in identifying internal injuries or physiological changes consistent
with asphyxia, such as petechiae in the eyes, internal organ congestion, or signs of brain
hypoxia. By conducting thorough examinations and considering all evidence, forensic experts
provide insights into the circumstances leading to death, aiding legal proceedings involving
suspected asphyxia-related fatalities.
In conclusion, asphyxia encompasses various mechanisms leading to oxygen deprivation,
with profound implications for medical diagnosis and legal investigations. Understanding its
manifestations and contributing factors is essential for accurate determination of cause and
manner of death, ensuring justice and informed medical practices.

References:

Ellis, R. R. (2019, August 20). Asphyxia: types, causes, symptoms. WebMD.

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/asphyxia-overview

Wikipedia contributors. (2023b, December 19). Asphyxia. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphyxia

Wyatt, J., Squires, T., Norfolk, G., & Payne‐James, J. (2011). Chapter 4 Asphyxia. In Oxford
University Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199229949.003.0004