Choking - infant under 1 year
Key points
- Choking is when an infant can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
- A choking infant's airway may be completely or partially blocked.
- Choking in infants is usually caused by inhaling a small object that they have placed in their mouth, such as a button, coin, balloon, or watch battery.
- DO NOT perform these steps if the infant is coughing forcefully or has a strong cry - either of which can dislodge the object on its own.
Definition
Choking is when an infant can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
Considerations
A choking infant'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 infant 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
Choking in infants is usually caused by inhaling a small object that they have placed in their mouth, such as a button, coin, balloon, or watch battery.
Symptoms
The danger signs of true choking are:
- Inability to cry or make much sound
- Weak, ineffective coughing
- Soft or high-pitched sounds while inhaling
- Difficulty breathing - ribs and chest retract
- Bluish skin color
- Loss of consciousness if blockage is not cleared
First Aid
1. DO NOT perform these steps if the infant is coughing forcefully or has a strong cry - either of which can dislodge the object on its own.
2. Lay the infant face down, along your forearm. Use your thigh or lap for support. Hold the infant's chest in your hand and jaw with your fingers. Point the infant's head downward, lower than the body.
3. Give up to 5 quick, forceful blows between the infant's shoulder blades. Use the heel of your free hand.
IF THE OBJECT ISN't FREE AFTER 5 BLOWS
1. Turn the infant face up. Use your thigh or lap for support. Support the head.
2. Place 2 fingers on the middle of his breastbone just below the nipples.
3. Give up to 5 quick thrusts down, compressing the chest 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest.
4. Continue this series of 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant loses consciousness.
IF THE INFANT LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS
If the child becomes unresponsive, stops breathing, or turns blue:
- Shout for help.
- Give infant CPR. Call 911 after one minute of CPR.
- If you can SEE the object blocking the airway, try to remove it with your finger. Try to remove an object ONLY if you can see it.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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