Death during indigenous treatments : chocking due to a half of a lime

Abstract

Thirty six years old woman, who was suffering from convulsions, decided to follow indigenous treatments. After beating with a coconut flower, when a lime was cut over the mouth, indigenous practitioner asked the patient to swallow the cut lime, put the cut pieces in to the mouth and pushed them deep using the cutting instrument. She struggled and found dead. Multiple injuries were found. Larynx was obstructed with half of a lime. This case shows that a conscious adult also may die due to choking if a food particle is forcefully pushed deep in to the mouth. It is an example for homicidal chocking. Health education and regulations are necessary on indigenous treatments.