What do I do when someone is choking?

The airway is the passage through which air enters the lungs before being absorbed into the bloodstream. The upper airway system consists of the nose/mouth and trachea. The lower airway consists of the bronchi to the alveoli and diaphragm.  Choking occurs when the airway is partly or completely blocked which then prevents or limits the airflow to the lungs.

What Causes Choking?

A variety of things can cause choking.  They include food, vomit, injuries, allergic reactions, toys, coins, etc.  In cases of unconscious people, the tongue can also cause choking.

Prevention of Choking

Ensure that you are careful to:

• Cut food into small pieces

• Do not talk and eat

• Do not eat while exercising or walking

• Drink alcohol in moderation (alcohol leads to partial loss of control of the airway mechanism)

• Supervise young children when playing with small objects

• Cut hot dogs lengthwise when feeding to young children