Which description matches traumatic asphyxia, characterized by sudden, severe compression of the thorax causing a rapid rise in intrathoracic pressure?

• A. Traumatic asphyxia
• B. Rib injury
• C. Cardiac contusion
• D. Heat cramps

Answer: (A)

Traumatic asphyxia happens when the chest is compressed so suddenly and forcefully that intrathoracic pressure spikes quickly. That dramatic rise in pressure pushes blood out of the chest into the head and neck, causing facial redness or cyanosis, edema, and often subconjunctival hemorrhages. The description—sudden, severe compression of the thorax with a rapid rise in intrathoracic pressure—captures this exact mechanism. Other options describe different injuries or conditions (a rib injury is a structural bone injury; a cardiac contusion is bruising of the heart itself; heat cramps are due to electrolyte imbalance from heat exposure) and don’t fit the pressure-driven pathophysiology.