Final answer:
Traumatic asphyxia occurs when there is sudden and forceful compression of the chest, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply. It is a vascular problem, causing engorgement of veins in the head and neck and leading to symptoms like facial and neck swelling and difficulty breathing. The symptoms resolve once the pressure is released.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traumatic asphyxia is a condition that occurs when there is sudden and forceful compression of the chest, causing a temporary disruption of blood flow and oxygen supply. It is a vascular problem because the compression affects the blood vessels and restricts blood flow. The compression can cause engorgement of the veins in the head and neck. The skin around the neck may become congested and appear dark or bluish due to the engorged veins.
If the backflow of blood continues during traumatic asphyxia, it can lead to increased pressure in the chest and ultimately result in loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. Some classic symptoms of traumatic asphyxia include facial or neck swelling, blue discoloration of the face and neck, and difficulty breathing. Once the pressure is released, the symptoms gradually resolve, and normal blood flow and oxygen supply are restored.