Chokes

Choking is a medical emergency that occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, choking most often results from food or other objects getting stuck in the airway, whereas in children, small objects they play with can be a common cause. Recognizing the signs of choking and knowing how to respond appropriately can be life-saving.

Causes

Choking can be caused by:

• Eating too quickly or not chewing food well
• Drinking alcohol before or during meals
• Wearing dentures
• Walking, playing, or running with food or objects in the mouth
• Swallowing large pieces of food
• Accidental ingestion of small objects (more common in children)

Signs and Symptoms

The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. Other signs include:

• Inability to talk
• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Sudden cough without a previous illness
• Skin, lips, and nails turning blue or dusky
• Loss of consciousness if the airway is not cleared

First Aid

Immediate action is required to help a choking person:

• Encourage the person to cough if they are still able to breathe.
• For adults and children over 1 year old, use back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
• For infants under 1 year old, use a combination of back blows and chest thrusts.
• If the person becomes unconscious, begin CPR and continue to check for and remove any visible obstruction in the mouth.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Supervising young children while eating and playing
• Keeping small objects out of reach of children
• Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly
• Avoiding talking or laughing while chewing

Complications

If not promptly treated, choking can lead to:

• Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
• Death
• Aspiration pneumonia, if the object is partially dislodged and allows some air to pass, but then gets sucked into the lungs