Choking - adult or child over 1 year
Key points
- Choking is when someone can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
- A choking person's airway may be completely or partially blocked.
- The universal distress signal for choking is grabbing the throat with the hand.
- DO NOT perform first aid if the person is coughing forcefully and able to speak - a strong cough can dislodge the object.
Alternative names
Heimlich maneuver - adult or child over 1 year
Definition
Choking is when someone can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
Considerations
A choking person's airway may be completely or partially blocked. A complete blockage is an urgent medical emergency. A partial obstruction can quickly become life threatening if the person loses the ability to breathe in and out sufficiently.
Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.
Causes
- Eating too fast, failing to chew food well enough, or eating with improperly fitted dentures
- Alcohol consumption (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
- Unconscious or stuporous persons may inhale vomited material
- Small objects inhaled by young children
- Trauma to the head and face (swelling or blood can cause choking)
Symptoms
The universal distress signal for choking is grabbing the throat with the hand.
Other danger signs include:
- Inability to speak
- Weak, ineffective coughing
- Noisy breathing or high-pitched sounds while inhaling
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Loss of consciousness if blockage is not cleared
First Aid
1. Ask, "Are you choking? Can you speak?"
DO NOT perform first aid if the person is coughing forcefully and able to speak - a strong cough can dislodge the object.
2. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around the person's waist.
3. Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist just above the person's navel, well below the breastbone.
4. Grasp the fist with your other hand.
5. Make quick, upward and inward thrusts with your fist.
6. Continue these thrusts until the object is dislodged or the victim loses consciousness.
IF THE PERSON LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS
- Lower the person to the floor.
- Call 911 - or tell someone to call 911.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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