Choking - A True Medical Emergency
By Lifesaver Education
Choking is caused by blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects. It can happen at any time to persons of all ages. Choking is a true emergency and can result in death if the obstruction is not relieved within minutes. This is because blockage of the airway prevents oxygen from reaching the brain, which will begin to die within 4 to 6 minutes without intervention.
It is known that almost 200 children in the U.S. die every year from choking, and that choking is responsible for almost 18,000 admissions to emergency departments for children under the age of 14. Small children often put small objects in their mouth, such as nuts, coins, marbles and other hazards. Hard candies and hot dogs are other common choking hazards. Small children will often attempt to eat too quickly or will put too much food in their mouth at one time, increasing their risk of choking.
Adults often choke when they talk or laugh while eating. Factors such as poorly fitting dentures, alcohol consumption and drugs which lower awareness can increase the risk of choking in adults. Some diseases affect swallowing, such as stroke, MS (multiple sclerosis) and Parkinson’s disease, raising the risk of choking. Symptoms of choking are often easy to identify and may include the following:
• Coughing or gagging • Inability to talk • High-pitched wheezes • Color change to the face (person will turn blue)
• Weak cry or cough in infants
• Panic and hand signals
The “universal sign” of choking is clutching of the throat- choking victims will often bring their hands to their throat.
Choking can be resolved with application of an abdominal thrust (formerly called the Heimlich maneuver). Victims who are able to speak and whose color is not dusky should be watched closely and encouraged to cough forcefully. They should not be left alone. Victims who cannot speak and whose face is turning blue are likely fully obstructed and will require the Heimlich maneuver and possibly other emergency measures.
Choking constitutes a real medical emergency. Everyone should be taught the basics of relieving an airway obstruction. Choking is included in BLS classes as it is recognized that choking is encountered frequently and timely intervention can save lives. Anyone with children should learn how to relieve an airway obstruction. To find a Los Angeles BLS class or CPR class near you, visit Lifesaver Ed.
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