Asphyxiation is caused when the external respiratory orifices such as the nose, throat and mouth are obstructed, preventing a person from breathing. Although asphyxiation can be an accident, it can be a deliberate suicidal act or caused by another person, called homicidal asphyxiation. Asphyxiation causes death.
Cause
Asphyxiation is caused by a complete obstruction of oxygen to the brain. Asphyxiation also causes an obstruction in the blood vessels, causing death.
Signs
Signs of forced asphyxiation include thyroid fractures, hyoid fractures and scratches or bruising on the face, neck, arms and legs. In asphyxiation caused by hanging, ligature marks are usually present around the thyroid gland and behind the ears.
Risk Factors
According to the University of British Columbia, women, children and the elderly are usually victims of homicidal asphyxiation. Children also cause accidental asphyxiation more than adults such as through an accidental hanging.
Methods
Plastic bags, pillows, having food or other objects stuck in the throat, or cutting off the air supply by putting force on the throat can cause asphyxiation. In suicide, brute force on the neck caused by a taut rope, called hanging, causes asphyxiation.
Types
Traumatic asphyxia and positional asphyxiation are types of asphyxiation caused by the chest and respiratory system's limited ability to function, caused by being in a body position that limits breathing. Autoerotic asphyxiation is the deliberate act of preventing breathing either by choking or smothering the person, then performing a sexual act to heighten sexual arousal.
Dangers
Besides death, asphyxiation can cause damage to the brain, trachea and esophagus. According to Explore Forensics, cerebral anoxia, or cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain, can also cause brain damage and brain death.
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