Definition
Asphyxia is a condition caused by interference with respiration leading to deficiency of oxygen (hypoxia) and accumulation of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) in the body.
Classification of Asphyxial Deaths
A. Mechanical Asphyxia
1. Hanging — Constriction of neck by a ligature, the constricting force being the weight of the body.
2. Strangulation
- Ligature strangulation — Constriction of neck by ligature without suspension.
- Throttling — Manual compression of neck by hands.
- Mugging (choke hold) — Compression of neck by forearm or elbow.
3. Suffocation