Choking
Choking is a critical situation that occurs when a person's airway becomes obstructed, typically by food or a foreign object, hindering their ability to breathe. Common signs of choking include coughing, face reddening, and clutching the throat, though in severe cases, the victim may be unable to make sounds, indicating a complete blockage. In such emergencies, immediate action is essential for the victim's safety. The Heimlich maneuver is a widely recommended technique for dislodging obstructions; it involves performing abdominal thrusts while the victim is standing or seated. It is crucial to avoid patting the victim on the back, as this may worsen the situation. If the Heimlich maneuver fails, a finger sweep may be attempted to remove the obstruction from the victim’s throat. Awareness of choking signs and effective responses can be life-saving, highlighting the importance of knowing how to assist someone in distress.
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Subject Terms
Choking
Anatomy or system affected: Chest, lungs, neck, respiratory system, throat
Definition: A condition in which the breathing passage (windpipe) is obstructed
Causes and Symptoms
A person who is choking may cough, turn red in the face, clutch his or her throat, or any combination of the above. If the choking person is coughing, it is probably best to do nothing; the coughing should naturally clear the airway. The true choking emergency occurs when a bit of food or other foreign object completely obstructs the breathing passage. In this case, there is little or no coughing—the person cannot make much sound. This silent choking calls for immediate action.
Treatment and Therapy
An individual witnessing a choking emergency should first call for emergency help and then perform the Heimlich maneuver. The choking person should never be slapped on the back. The Heimlich maneuver is best performed while the choking victim is standing or seated. If possible, the person performing the Heimlich maneuver should ask the victim to nod if he or she wishes the Heimlich maneuver to be performed. If the airway is totally blocked, the victim will not be able to speak and may even be unconscious.
The individual performing the Heimlich maneuver positions himself or herself behind the choking victim and places his or her arms around the victim’s waist. Making a fist with one hand and grasping that fist with the other hand, the rescuer positions the thumb side of the fist toward the stomach of the victim—just above the navel and below the ribs. The person performing the maneuver pulls his or her fist upward into the abdomen of the victim with several quick thrusts. This action should expel the foreign object from the victim’s throat, and he or she should begin coughing or return to normal breathing.
The Heimlich maneuver is not effective in dislodging fish bones and certain other obstructions. If the airway is still blocked after several Heimlich thrusts, a finger sweep should be tried to remove the obstruction. First, the mouth of the victim must be opened: The chin is grasped, and the mouth is pulled open with one hand. With the index finger of the other hand, the rescuer sweeps through the victim’s throat, pulling out any foreign material. One sweep should be made from left to right, and a second sweep from right to left. The Heimlich maneuver may then be repeated if necessary.
Bibliography
"Choking in Children." WebMD, 25 Nov. 2021, www.webmd.com/first-aid/choking-in-children. Accessed 20 July 2023.
"Choking First Aid." Mayo Clinic, 11 Oct. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-choking/basics/art-20056637. Accessed 20 July 2023.
"Choking Prevention." American Academy of Pediatricians, 2019, www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Choking-Prevention.aspx. Accessed 20 July 2023.
Furst, John. The Complete First Aid Pocket Guide: Step-By-Step Treatment for All of Your Medical Emergencies Including Heart Attack Stroke Food Poisoning Choking Head Injuries Shock Anaphylaxis Minor Wounds Burns. Adams Media, 2018.
Stern, Loraine. “Mom, I Can’t Breathe!” Woman’s Day, vol. 57, no. 6, Mar. 1994, p. 18.