Choking
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If you should not accidentally inhale something that gets lodged in your trachea, you may become unable to breathe or speak. Needless to say, this is a dangerous situation requiring emergency intervention.
Children, especially those under four years of age, are at the greatest risk of choking because young children tend to put everything in their mouths. In adults, choking most often result from accidental inhalation of a piece of food while eating.
Ideally, everyone should take a course in basic first aid that includes specific instruction in coming to the aid of someone who is choking. The information in this entry cannot-and is not meant to-substitute for a class in which you can learn and practice such critical details of technique as where to place your hands and how much force to use. Rather it is intended to serve as a refresher in case of emergency.
It is frightening to realize that you are choking. First, make a quick assessment of the situation. If you are able to talk or are coughing forcefully, no intervention is necessary. This indicates that air is getting through the wind-pipe. Try not to panic. As long as you can breathe, you may be able to expel the material on your own. Often, coughing and sputtering is enough to expel the object. However, if you become unable to speak, or begin gasping for air or turning blue, act fast.
General recommendations for chocking
Have someone call for emergency help and begin the Heimlich maneuver immediately.
Preventive measures for chocking
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly before swallowing. If you are in a rush to finish a meal, you can choke on a poorly chewed or extra-large bite.
- Treatment for choking : This section provides information about various treatments for choking.