Discussion Asphyxiology: Asphyxia / Strangulation / Hanging / Suffocation / Drowning (know their differences)

[JesiBel]

Asphyxiology: Asphyxia / Strangulation / Hanging / Suffocation / Drowning (know their differences)

Asphyxiology is the discipline of forensic medicine that deals with the study of the mechanisms underlying respiratory failure.

Asphyxia

Asphyxia is the obstruction of normal pulmonary ventilation. There are three types of asphyxia of interest to forensic medicine:

Primitive. When oxygen is lacking for reasons other than a pathological condition (illness), such as smoke inhalation.

Mechanics. When asphyxia is caused by an obstruction in the airways that prevents pulmonary ventilation.

Violent. When the obstruction in the respiratory system can occur suddenly due to a pathological condition.

It is important to note that there are patterns shared by victims of asphyxiation. First, there are hemorrhagic petechiae, which are small red lesions caused by ruptured capillaries, as well as cyanosis, a blue or livid coloration of the skin and mucus resulting from a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Strangulation

This is the form of death caused by pressing the neck with the hands, such as the typical case of a person pressing the victim's windpipe against the spine with one or two hands. Given the manner in which it is carried out, it would seem that this type of death can only be associated with intentional homicides; however, a case of negligent homicide occurs when sadistic sexual relations are engaged in.

This type of pressure can also be applied by squeezing the arm around the neck, for which the aggressor's strength must be greater than that of the victim.

On the other hand, the second form of strangulation can be achieved by a noose. This means that the pressure corresponding to strangulation can even be applied with a rope or similar object, but always horizontally (—) to the area where it is applied.

Hanging

This type of asphyxiation is caused by compressing the neck using a loop that holds the body suspended, while the body's weight exerts this pressure until death occurs. In this regard, hanging can be:

Complete/full: when the entire body is suspended in the air.

Incomplete/partial: when part of the body is in contact with the ground.

Regarding the location of the noose knot, it is classified as:

Typical: when the knot is located at the nape of the neck.

Atypical: when the knot is in a lateral position or under the chin.

One way to quickly identify a case of hanging is by the spot that appears around the neck, technically called a skin groove. It's a red spot shaped like a rope or noose; therefore, its trajectory runs from top to bottom, and it's more prominent at the front (the compression zone).

Suffocation

This type of asphyxia is caused by airway obstruction. This can be direct, indirect, or internal.

Direct: This is so-called because the nose or mouth is obstructed. For example, by placing a cushion or pillow over the victim's face or by placing a sealed plastic bag over the entire head. While this again seems to be a case that can only occur in the context of intentional homicide, accidental suffocation can actually occur, such as in the case of a person who, completely intoxicated, falls asleep face down, obstructing their airway.

Indirect: This is caused by a mechanical blockage of breathing caused by thoracic immobilization, that is, when the rib cage fails to expand to allow for the muscular movement required for inhalation and exhalation. An example of this type of suffocation occurs when a large number of people crowd into a narrow space during a mass escape from a fire, or even when there is excessive crowding at a concert or event.

Internal: It is caused by obstruction of the airways from the inside out, as a result of a solid material becoming lodged in some section of the respiratory tract; for example, the typical case of pieces of food in the trachea or small toys in the throat of a child.

Drowning

This type of asphyxiation is caused by the ingestion of fluids that replace the air in the lungs, resulting in respiratory failure. Drowning occurs in five stages:

Surprise phase. You reflexively inhale quickly and deeply.

During immersion, the first few breaths of water cause a spasm of the glottis.

Dyspneic phase. It is no longer possible to hold your breath, and the person begins to ingest large amounts of water into their lungs and stomach.

Apnea phase. Consciousness loss occurs, and reflex actions no longer exist. The patient enters a deep coma followed by respiratory arrest.

Terminal phase. Cardiac block and arrest.

..............
Full text with real photos (warning) and illustrations

 

[AreWeWinning]

Asphyxiology: Asphyxia / Strangulation / Hanging / Suffocation / Drowning (know their differences)

Asphyxiology is the discipline of forensic medicine that deals with the study of the mechanisms underlying respiratory failure.

Asphyxia

Asphyxia is the obstruction of normal pulmonary ventilation. There are three types of asphyxia of interest to forensic medicine:

Primitive. When oxygen is lacking for reasons other than a pathological condition (illness), such as smoke inhalation.

Mechanics. When asphyxia is caused by an obstruction in the airways that prevents pulmonary ventilation.

Violent. When the obstruction in the respiratory system can occur suddenly due to a pathological condition.

It is important to note that there are patterns shared by victims of asphyxiation. First, there are hemorrhagic petechiae, which are small red lesions caused by ruptured capillaries, as well as cyanosis, a blue or livid coloration of the skin and mucus resulting from a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Strangulation

This is the form of death caused by pressing the neck with the hands, such as the typical case of a person pressing the victim's windpipe against the spine with one or two hands. Given the manner in which it is carried out, it would seem that this type of death can only be associated with intentional homicides; however, a case of negligent homicide occurs when sadistic sexual relations are engaged in.

This type of pressure can also be applied by squeezing the arm around the neck, for which the aggressor's strength must be greater than that of the victim.

On the other hand, the second form of strangulation can be achieved by a noose. This means that the pressure corresponding to strangulation can even be applied with a rope or similar object, but always horizontally (—) to the area where it is applied.

Hanging

This type of asphyxiation is caused by compressing the neck using a loop that holds the body suspended, while the body's weight exerts this pressure until death occurs. In this regard, hanging can be:

Complete/full: when the entire body is suspended in the air.

Incomplete/partial: when part of the body is in contact with the ground.

Regarding the location of the noose knot, it is classified as:

Typical: when the knot is located at the nape of the neck.

Atypical: when the knot is in a lateral position or under the chin.

One way to quickly identify a case of hanging is by the spot that appears around the neck, technically called a skin groove. It's a red spot shaped like a rope or noose; therefore, its trajectory runs from top to bottom, and it's more prominent at the front (the compression zone).

Suffocation

This type of asphyxia is caused by airway obstruction. This can be direct, indirect, or internal.

Direct: This is so-called because the nose or mouth is obstructed. For example, by placing a cushion or pillow over the victim's face or by placing a sealed plastic bag over the entire head. While this again seems to be a case that can only occur in the context of intentional homicide, accidental suffocation can actually occur, such as in the case of a person who, completely intoxicated, falls asleep face down, obstructing their airway.

Indirect: This is caused by a mechanical blockage of breathing caused by thoracic immobilization, that is, when the rib cage fails to expand to allow for the muscular movement required for inhalation and exhalation. An example of this type of suffocation occurs when a large number of people crowd into a narrow space during a mass escape from a fire, or even when there is excessive crowding at a concert or event.

Internal: It is caused by obstruction of the airways from the inside out, as a result of a solid material becoming lodged in some section of the respiratory tract; for example, the typical case of pieces of food in the trachea or small toys in the throat of a child.

Drowning

This type of asphyxiation is caused by the ingestion of fluids that replace the air in the lungs, resulting in respiratory failure. Drowning occurs in five stages:

Surprise phase. You reflexively inhale quickly and deeply.

During immersion, the first few breaths of water cause a spasm of the glottis.

Dyspneic phase. It is no longer possible to hold your breath, and the person begins to ingest large amounts of water into their lungs and stomach.

Apnea phase. Consciousness loss occurs, and reflex actions no longer exist. The patient enters a deep coma followed by respiratory arrest.

Terminal phase. Cardiac block and arrest.

..............
Full text with real photos (warning) and illustrations

Nice post.

In hanging, loss of consciousness and brain death is not caused by asphyxia or asphyxiation. Instead, it's caused by cutoff of blood flow to the brain, for which the correct term is just like that, "cutting off blood flow". Or if someone really wants a medical term, then it's called "cerebral hypoxia" or "brain ischemia", I believe.

What's particularly confusing is that some sources use the term "asphyxia", when they actually mean cut-off of blood flow, while at other times, it's used for what it actually means – blocking the airways.

For example, look at this YouTube video. He knows what he's talking about and has good intentions, but he still uses the term "asphyxiation" – incorrectly. This is just an example, but I think it's quite common. Then someone goes ahead and checks what asphyxiation actually means, finds that it is synonymous with strangulation, and ends up confused.

 

[JesiBel]

Nice post.

In hanging, loss of consciousness and brain death is not caused by asphyxia or asphyxiation. Instead, it's caused by cutoff of blood flow to the brain, for which the correct term is just like that, "cutting off blood flow". Or if someone really wants a medical term, then it's called "cerebral hypoxia" or "brain ischemia", I believe.

What's particularly confusing is that some sources use the term "asphyxia", when they actually mean cut-off of blood flow, while at other times, it's used for what it actually means – blocking the airways.

For example, look at this YouTube video. He knows what he's talking about and has good intentions, but he still uses the term "asphyxiation" – incorrectly. This is just an example, but I think it's quite common. Then someone goes ahead and checks what asphyxiation actually means, finds that it is synonymous with strangulation, and ends up confused.

True, I believe they include hanging in the "asphyxiation" category since the airway is also compressed and involved. Although it is not the main cause that leads to death.

As for synonyms, to differentiate strangulation from hanging I always think about the person's position.

For hanging you are always in a vertical position and suspended using your weight (touching the ground or not)

In strangulation you can adopt any position, since it involves tightly tying a loop or rope or other material around the neck (without being suspended or using your own weight)

Great video, thanks for sharing! Very explanatory and detailed. It further reinforces my conviction that it is the best method of all.
At the end when the man says "asphyxia", perhaps he means it in the context of the "erotic play".