ABSTRACT
Asphyxia occurs when oxygenated blood cannot reach the brain. A variety of mechanisms can cause asphyxiation. When the oxygen in the air is replaced with another gas such as carbon dioxide, chemical asphyxia occurs. Strangulation is caused by constriction or compression of the neck, resulting in the obstruction of blood and oxygen reaching the brain. Manual strangulation results from pressure of a hand, arm, or other limb against the victim's neck that causes compression. The autoerotic asphyxiation is an accidental death from self-inflicted asphyxia as the victim induces a hypoxic state to increase sexual excitement and the intensity of orgasm during masturbation. Mechanical asphyxia may occur in industrial or mechanical accidents such as an automobile slipping from its jack and compressing the chest of the individual performing maintenance beneath it. Chemical asphyxia occurs when the atmosphere breathed lacks sufficient oxygen to support life or contains a chemical that prevents oxygen intake.
