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Suffocation Digital Notes

Suffocation is defined as violent asphyxiation caused by mechanical obstruction of air passage, excluding neck constriction or drowning. It is classified into types such as smothering, traumatic asphyxia, and choking, each with distinct causes and findings. External and internal findings vary based on the type, including abrasions, contusions, and petechial hemorrhages.

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6 views2 pages

Suffocation Digital Notes

Suffocation is defined as violent asphyxiation caused by mechanical obstruction of air passage, excluding neck constriction or drowning. It is classified into types such as smothering, traumatic asphyxia, and choking, each with distinct causes and findings. External and internal findings vary based on the type, including abrasions, contusions, and petechial hemorrhages.

Uploaded by

drishtikushvaha52
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

FORENSIC MEDICINE & TOXICOLOGY NOTES

4. Suffocation

DEFINITION

Suffocation means a group of conditions of violent asphyxiation, where the passage of air
between the atmosphere and lung is prevented by mechanical ways other than constriction of
neck or drowning.

Types & Clinical Classifications

TYPE DEFINITION CAUSE FINDINGS

① Smothering Respiration is ACCIDENTAL EXTERNAL FINDINGS


prevented by closure e.g., Children playfully There will be abrasion or
of mouth & nasal covering their head and contusion over and around
opening. mouth with polythene the face and nose.
bag. In case of smothering with
HOMICIDAL mother's breast, the
delicate tissue of the infant
Covering the face and
will be compressed and
nose by towel or pillow.
pale.
SUICIDAL
INTERNAL FINDINGS
e.g., Arranging self-
Petechial hemorrhages
burial under a heap of
spots on under surface of
mattresses on bed.
pleura.
MASOCHISTIC PRACTICE
Smothering during
masochistic practice →
Nude picture, porn
books etc. will be
present.

Forensic Medicine & Toxicology • Digital Study Series Page 1 of 2


TYPE DEFINITION CAUSE FINDINGS

② Traumatic Forceful compression 1. House collapse EXTERNAL FINDINGS


Asphyxia of chest which 2. Stampeded by crowd 1. Abrasion
prevents respiratory 2. Bruise
3. By being run over by
movement of chest
a vehicle 3. Haemorrhagic spots
wall.
4. Collapse of wall INTERNAL FINDINGS
inside mine In case of house collapse —
5. When held between Inhalation of dust & debris.
buffers of two bogies
of train

③ Choking Air passage is 1. Asphyxia Signs of asphyxia both


occluded either by 2. Vagal inhibition externally & internally.
some foreign material "Cafe Coronary"
or due to pathology in
neighbouring
structure.

ANATOMICAL & MECHANICAL PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Smothering vs. Choking Mechanisms Traumatic Asphyxia Mechanics

SMOTHERING
(External Blockage)

Block

Forensic Medicine & Toxicology • Digital Study Series Page 2 of 2

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