Dr. Abdulmonem Al-Hayani MBChB, DipFMS(Lon), PhD(Aber) Asphyxia and Anoxia Dr. Abdulmonem Al-Hayani MBChB, DipFMS(Lon), PhD(Aber) 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Outcome=Aims=Goals Why this lecture? Definitions of Asphyxia and Anoxia? Signs of Asphyxia? Types of Asphyxia (Causes) Common examples of Anoxia and Asphyxia 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

As GPs, we will see many cases of Asphyxia Why this lecture? As GPs, we will see many cases of Asphyxia 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Definition of Asphyxia Situations in which there is an obstruction to breathing Body will be deprived to O2 Either no air or insufficient air getting into the body 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Oxygen already present in the body Definition of Anoxia Anoxia = Hypoxia Oxygen already present in the body 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Definition of Anoxia Failure of O2 which is already in the body to get into the tissues Causes of anoxia: Shock Anemia CO poisoning Heroin intoxication 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Signs of Asphyxia Petechail Congestion Cyanosis Hemorrhage 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Types (causes) of Asphyxia Environmental Crush Asphyxia Suffocation/Smothering Positional Asphyxia Chocking Compression of the Neck Hanging/Strangulation 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

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Example of Asphyxia Drowning 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Drowning Where? Sea River Canal Bath others 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Drowning Body recovered dead? Death before entering water (concealment of homicide) Immersion True drowning Death in water from other causes (heart diseases, trauma) Hypothermia 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

True drowning (Asphyxia) Phases of drowning: Breath holds Inhalation of water, coughing, vomiting and loss of consciousness Convulsions, respiratory arrest then cardiac arrest 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Drowning Types? Fresh water Sea water 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Autopsy signs of Drowning Classical signs only in 35% of cases Froth in nose and mouth Pulmonary edema Overdistention of lungs Dry drowning 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Autopsy signs of Drowning 5. Middle ear hemorrhage 6. Chemical tests (unreliable) 7. Non-specific changes of immersion 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Autopsy signs of Drowning The best sign is: Diatom Test 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Example of Anoxia Fire Fumes Inhalation 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Fire Fumes Commonest cause of death in fires Autopsy signs of fire fumes inhalation: Burns to air passages SOOT Pulmonary edema Toxins in blood e.g. cyanide, plastics chemicals etc… 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Carbon Monoxide Level in Blood The most useful sign is Carbon Monoxide Level in Blood 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

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Summary 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Key Lesson As a GP you will see many cases of Asphyxia and Anoxia, so please think about a possibility of crime when you see such cases 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani

Questions & Comments 12/8/2018 Dr. Al-Hayani