Asphyxia : Robin William's Cause of Death

RIP Robin William.

The death of the great comedian and actor has shocked everyone this morning. Investigation from the authorities results to a suicide due to 'asphyxia' according to Marin Sheriff's Lt. Keith Boyle.

Google Image : Robin William

Now what is Asphyxia? How does it become worst for that particular person?


What is Asphyxia?
Asphyxiation is a severe, life-threatening condition in which the body does not receive adequate oxygen in order to function, typically caused by the air not getting through to the individual’s lungs. There are several different ways that drug, alcohol or other means can be directly or indirectly related to someone dying of asphyxiation.

What are the cause of Asphyxia?

1. Airway obstruction

• Choking from food, blood, vomit or broken teeth aspiration
• May also occur in unconscious victim when the tongue falls to the back of the throat
• Chest compression or collapsed lung, from road accidents or any penetrating injury to the chest
• Drowning or near drowning
• Gas poisoning
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning from home appliances releasing fumes or released by car exhaust or other toxic fumes.   different type of asphyxiation occurs when the person’s breathing is okay, but the air that they breathe contains inadequate or contaminated oxygen — such as by inhaling air containing carbon monoxide. This can happen accidentally, for example, through poorly maintained heating systems — a high risk for people with financial problems, which can be an aspect of addiction, or it can happen deliberately, for example, through the inhalation of exhaust fumes as a method of suicide or homicide.
  • Electrical accidents
  • Strangulation
    • From attempted suicide by hanging or attempt to kill another person by placing grasping the neck
    • Suffocation
    • Others
      • Severe asthma attack or bronchitis
      • Whooping cough

2. Drugs – Another type of asphyxiation happens when people overdose on a drug such as heroin, and their breathing becomes extremely shallow, so they don’t take in enough oxygen to sustain them. Others cease breathing as a result of a seizure, which can happen as part of drug or alcohol withdrawal.

 3. Illness -asphyxia  could also be a complication of other health conditions or illnesses, like several types of asthma, bronchiolitis, tetanus and more.

What are the Symptoms of Asphyxia?

• Difficulty and/ or noisy breathing, which may ultimately lead to cessation
• Rapid pulse
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Cyanosis of the face
• Swollen veins on the head and neck
• Convulsions
• Paralysis
• Slowly losing consciousness

How about the treatment for Asphyxia?
It is necessary to give first aid and if necessary, CPR, to any patient who is at risk of asphyxia. Steps will vary per scenario. Disclaimer: the information and procedure to be given do not substitute for the hands on and practical knowledge taught by first aid training.

• Have someone call for emergency medical services immediately.
• Choking
  • Perform Heimlich Maneuver (which will vary in adults, children, and pregnant women) to remove the object
  • Drowning
    • Safely remove the victim from the water.
    • Gas poisoning
      • Get the victim into fresh air only if it is safe to go in the place. Evacuate anyone else in the same establishment.
      • Suffocation
        • Remove anything blocking the airway, such as plastic bags immediately
        • Strangulation
          • Remove the object used to strangle immediately
          • Asthma attack
            • Assist the victim to sit upright and assist to medication.
            • For all victims of asphyxiation,
              • Loosen any tight clothing, especially around the neck.
              • Check for airway, breathing and circulation
              • If the victim is unconscious and not breathing with no pulse, perform CPR. To do CPR
                • Place own hand on the middle’s chest and entangle the second hand on top of the first. Give 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths.
                • To give a rescue breath, tilt the chin upward and backwards to prevent any obstruction in the airways. Pinch nostril of casualty and seal the mouth of the victim using own mouth.
                • Repeat cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until signs of circulation are perceived.
• If the victim has pulse but not breathing, give rescue breaths.
• Do not leave victims of asphyxia alone at all times, even if consciousness is regained.

RIP Robin. I have grow up with all of your movies. We will miss all the acts and jokes you have left us.
Source:HealthDigetz