Choking happens when somethingfood or another itemis caught in the back of the throat.
This is an emergency.
This article will cover causes, prevention and the treatment of choking.
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Causes of Choking
Certain medical conditions or circumstances can make a person more likely to choke.
Small children lack the ability to differentiate what objects may get stuck in their throats.
This is often during their oral phase of development when they put everything into their mouths.
As your child gets older, they still remain at risk due to their smaller airway.
Similarly, older people also have an increased risk of choking.
Older people should take smaller bites and confirm to chew food thoroughly.
Eating slowly and removing distractions from the eating area can also help reduce the risk of choking.
Keeping small objects out of reach and purchasing appropriate age-level toys can also help prevent non-food-related choking.
Some other good prevention tips include:
What Should I Do If Someone Is Choking?
If someone is choking, you should determine whether or not they can talk.
Intervention at this point may cause further lodging of the object to occur.
They may also drool.
An indication that a person is not breathing is cyanosis.
This is an emergency.
You should start abdominal thrusts, also known as theHeimlich maneuver.
If you are not alone, have someone else call 911.
If you are alone call 911 immediately and (if possible) stay on the line while performing CPR.
Prevention is key when it comes to choking.
Educating yourself on common causes of choking can help prevent complications from occurring and keep your loved ones safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always see a healthcare provider following a choking incident.
This could indicate that an object entered the lung.
A person who is choking will be unable to speak and will have difficulty breathing.
They may make high-pitched sounds while trying to get air.
They will either be unable to cough or will cough weakly, and their skin may turn blue.
Other conditions can affect the muscles that control the swallowing process.
Habits like eating too fast or not chewing your food properly can also make you more likely to choke.
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