Deviation of the nose, bruising of the upper lip, and suspected intra-oral and facial bruising are diagnostic autopsy findings in death due to smothering
• Smothering is defined as an obstruction of the air passages above the level of the epiglottis, including the nose, mouth, and pharynx.
• This is in contrast to choking, which is considered to be due to an obstruction of the air passages below the epiglottis.
• The manner of death in smothering can be homicidal, suicidal, or an accident.
• Accidental smothering is considered to be a rare event among middle-aged adults, yet many cases still occur.
• Homicidal smothering is the deliberate occlusion of the external airways, usually using the hands, pillows, or bedding.
• Victims are often those who are unable to resist, such as the young or the old or highly intoxicated. The limited resistance offered by these individuals may result in a comparative lack of injury.
• Murder is comparatively rare however in some cases the assailant has tried to cover his or her tracks by setting fire to the location at which the deceased is finally found. This could be a house, an office, a workshop, anywhere.
• The autopsy surgeon must look for the telltale signs: the bloodshot eyes, the high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and bruising around the nose and mouth and may even collect trace evidence such as hairs and fibers from around the nose and mouth of the deceased.
• Histological sampling of suspected injuries can be rewarding, even in the presence of severe post-mortem deterioration due to decomposition.
• The upper lip and lower lip should be excised and processed for histology, sections may show remarkably good tissue preservation and extensive recent bruising,
(Contributed by Dr Sudhir Gupta)
• Smothering is defined as an obstruction of the air passages above the level of the epiglottis, including the nose, mouth, and pharynx.
• This is in contrast to choking, which is considered to be due to an obstruction of the air passages below the epiglottis.
• The manner of death in smothering can be homicidal, suicidal, or an accident.
• Accidental smothering is considered to be a rare event among middle-aged adults, yet many cases still occur.
• Homicidal smothering is the deliberate occlusion of the external airways, usually using the hands, pillows, or bedding.
• Victims are often those who are unable to resist, such as the young or the old or highly intoxicated. The limited resistance offered by these individuals may result in a comparative lack of injury.
• Murder is comparatively rare however in some cases the assailant has tried to cover his or her tracks by setting fire to the location at which the deceased is finally found. This could be a house, an office, a workshop, anywhere.
• The autopsy surgeon must look for the telltale signs: the bloodshot eyes, the high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and bruising around the nose and mouth and may even collect trace evidence such as hairs and fibers from around the nose and mouth of the deceased.
• Histological sampling of suspected injuries can be rewarding, even in the presence of severe post-mortem deterioration due to decomposition.
• The upper lip and lower lip should be excised and processed for histology, sections may show remarkably good tissue preservation and extensive recent bruising,
(Contributed by Dr Sudhir Gupta)
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