Choking

Illu conducting passages

Diagram showing a bronchoscopy CRUK 053

US medic teaches the Heimlich manuever to laughing Afghans

Back blows (back slaps) against choking for adult people

Abdominal thrusts against choking

Choking is a blockage of the upper airway which prevents breathing and can be a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when a foreign object, often food, gets lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, choking most commonly results from food, while in children, small objects are often the cause. Recognizing the signs of choking and knowing how to respond appropriately can be crucial in saving a life.

Signs and Symptoms

The universal sign of choking is clutching the throat with the hand. Other signs include:

• Inability to talk
• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Sudden cough without an apparent cause
• Skin, lips, and nails turning blue or dusky
• Loss of consciousness if the blockage is not cleared

Causes

Choking can be caused by:

• Eating too quickly, not chewing food well, or talking while eating
• Drinking alcohol before or during meals
• Walking, playing, or running with food or objects in the mouth
• Dentures that do not fit properly, making it difficult to chew food
• Swallowing large pieces of food

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly
• Avoiding talking or laughing while chewing
• Keeping small objects out of reach of children
• Supervising children while they eat
• Learning the Heimlich maneuver and CPR

First Aid

The Heimlich maneuver is a procedure used to help a choking person:

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person's navel.
3. Grasp the fist with the other hand and perform a quick, upward thrust.
4. Repeat until the object is expelled.

For infants, a series of back slaps and chest thrusts are recommended.

Treatment

If the choking person becomes unconscious, immediate CPR is necessary. If breathing does not resume after clearing the airway, emergency medical services should be called immediately.

Complications

If not promptly treated, choking can lead to:

• Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
• Death

See Also

• First aid
• Heimlich maneuver
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)