1. 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

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

3. As GPs, we will see many cases of Asphyxia
Why this lecture?
As GPs, we will see many cases of Asphyxia
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Dr. Al-Hayani

4. 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
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Dr. Al-Hayani

5. Oxygen already present in the body
Definition of Anoxia
Anoxia = Hypoxia
Oxygen already present in the body
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Dr. Al-Hayani

6. 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
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Dr. Al-Hayani

7. Signs of Asphyxia Petechail Congestion Cyanosis Hemorrhage 12/8/2018
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8. Types (causes) of Asphyxia
Environmental
Crush Asphyxia
Suffocation/Smothering
Positional Asphyxia
Chocking
Compression of the Neck
Hanging/Strangulation
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18. Example of Asphyxia
Drowning
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19. Drowning
Where?
Sea
River
Canal
Bath
others
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Dr. Al-Hayani

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

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

22. Drowning
Types?
Fresh water
Sea water
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Dr. Al-Hayani

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

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

25. Autopsy signs of Drowning
The best sign is:
Diatom Test
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26. Example of Anoxia
Fire Fumes Inhalation
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Dr. Al-Hayani

27. 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…
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Dr. Al-Hayani

28. Carbon Monoxide Level in Blood
The most useful sign is
Carbon Monoxide Level in Blood
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30. Summary
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31. 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
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Dr. Al-Hayani

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