ABSTRACT
Suffocation is a broad term enclosing deaths associated with oxygen deprivation by reduced atmospheric level or mechanical obstruction of the upper airway passage. Smothering is restricted to the mechanical obstruction of the external respiratory orifices. It is one of the important causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Gagging produces asphyxia due to foreign object forced into mouth and/or throat. It obstructs the pharynx and upper airway passage. Incomplete gagging due to absorption of saliva and other secretions can also cause complete obstruction. Choking produces asphyxia due to the blockage of the internal respiratory passages, occurring especially in the extremes of age or in cases of neurological or anatomical defects. Cafe coronary syndrome is a condition that mimics a coronary heart disease but occurs due to bolus of food blocking the respiratory passage. Asphyxia occurring in conditions due to particular position compromising the individual's ability to breathe is termed postural asphyxia. Cases of trauma causing mechanical fixation of chest wall leading to restricted respiratory movements is termed traumatic asphyxia. Autoerotic asphyxia cases are mostly accidental in nature where an individual enhances his sexual responses with asphyxia. Circumstantial evidence is very vital in these cases.
