What does asphyxia refer to in forensic terms?

In forensic terms, asphyxia specifically refers to a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to suffocation. This can occur due to various circumstances, such as choking, drowning, or any situation where the air supply is obstructed or inadequate. Given this definition, suffocation aligns directly with the concept of asphyxia, as it encapsulates the critical aspect of the victim's inability to breathe, leading to a lack of oxygen.

While asphyxia can be associated with loss of consciousness and certain poisoning cases, these are not its defining features; instead, they result from the condition itself. Severe trauma may contribute to an asphyxiating circumstance but does not inherently define asphyxia. Therefore, suffocation remains the accurate characterization within the context of forensic science.