Skip to main content

Putrefaction with “purging.” Note the red to brown fluid gurgling from the mouth and nose. This can sometimes be mistaken for an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. At the bloating stage, the microorganisms residing in the human gut begin to digest the tissues of the body, excreting gases that cause the torso and limbs to bloat, and producing foul-smelling chemicals including putrescine and cadaverine.

Fig.1 Putrefaction with purge fluid forced out of the nose and mouth.

The gases under the skin also causes the skin to turn green and black. Cells in tissues break down and release hydrolytic enzymes, and the top layer of skin may become loosened, leading to skin slippage. Decomposition of the gastrointestinal tract results in a dark, foul-smelling liquid called “purge fluid” that is forced out of the nose and mouth due to gas pressure in the intestine. The bloat stage is characterized by a shift in the bacterial population from aerobic to anaerobic bacterial species.

Latest posts

Fig.1 Postmortem animal scavenging.

Postmortem animal scavenging

| Accident, Animal Scavenging | No Comments
The phenomenon of postmortem animal interference with human bodies or their remains is a substantial part of the…
Fig.1 Fatal injury after a shell explosion.

Fatal injury after a shell explosion

| Accident, Explosion | No Comments
Fatal injury on the side of the neck and jaw after a shell explosion, no further info. A…
Fig.1 Suicide with a shotgun to the head.

Suicide with a shotgun to the head

| Gunshot, Suicide | No Comments
This individual committed suicide with a shotgun blast to the head. The head is the most common location…
Fig.1 This individual was found lying on his left side.

Man found decomposing in his home

| Accident, Decomposition | No Comments
This individual was found lying on his left side with a mild to moderate degree of putrefaction. note…