When we talk, laugh, or eat, we suddenly get a little bit of food stuck in our throat, right? Sometimes a sip of water will fix it. However, sometimes this "stuck" can be a little more serious. Especially for small babies, there is a high chance of something like a toy getting stuck in their throat. So, today we will talk in a little more detail about this "stuck" in the throat , or as doctors call it, "Foreign Body Airway Obstruction". Because this can be an emergency, it is very important to be aware of it.
Are there types of choking? (Types of Choking)
Yes, there are two main types of blockages. Simply put:
1. Complete Airway Obstruction: This is the most dangerous case. What happens here is that no air gets into your windpipe (trachea) at all. That means no oxygen gets to your lungs. This is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention . Being without oxygen for even four minutes can cause brain damage and possibly even death. Imagine how serious that is!
2. Partial Airway Obstruction: This is what usually happens to us. This is what we call "going wrong". Here, there is some space in the windpipe for air to pass through. Therefore, it is possible to expel the stuck object by coughing hard. However, this is not something to be taken lightly either. Because if the stuck object moves a little more, the airway can be completely blocked. But most of the time, when you cough hard, the stuck object comes out without anyone's help.
What are the symptoms of choking? (Symptoms of Choking)
There are several signs that we can recognize when we see someone who is choking. However, these signs can vary depending on the nature of the choking (whether it is complete or partial). In young children, these signs are sometimes not so obvious.
Partial Choking Symptoms
If someone has something stuck in their throat but can still breathe, they may show symptoms like:
- Keep shouting loudly.
- Even when I try to speak, my voice is hoarse and the words don't come out clearly.
- The face may become red.
At times like this, stay with the person, encourage them to cough, but don't rush to provide first aid. Wait, most of the time, the cough will go away on its own.
Complete Choking Symptoms
This is the situation we need to pay the most attention to. If someone is completely out of breath:
- I can't talk.
- They grab the neck, or point their finger at the side of the neck.
- The skin, nails, and lips start to turn blue (cyanosis). This is due to lack of oxygen.
- Even though he coughed, it was very weak and almost noiseless.
- A high-pitched whistling sound may be heard when breathing (Stridor).
- When asked, "Are you stuck?" you can nod your head and say "yes."
- You may lose consciousness.
- Suddenly, he looks agitated, surprised, and confused.
Important: Some people may not immediately notice this blueness (cyanosis) due to their skin color. In such cases, look closely at the gums, inside of the lips, and fingernails. Then you can identify it.
If you have these symptoms, you should immediately call an emergency service (e.g. 1990 ambulance service). If possible, you should also begin providing first aid.
What are the main causes of choking? (Main Causes of Choking)
Choking is often caused by food. Large pieces of food that are not chewed well can become stuck in the throat. This is especially true for foods like:
- Toffee, especially the high-quality toffee variety.
- Grapes (especially when given to young children, they should be cut into pieces).
- Chewing gum.
- Sausages (cut into round pieces, they are easy to get stuck).
- Marshmallows.
- Pieces of meat (especially if not well-cooked).
- Nuts like peanuts.
- Popcorn.
When food is opened, other things can get stuck, especially in young children:
- Balloons (inflated or not).
- Beads.
- Button batteries (these are very dangerous if they go inside).
- Coins.
- Small toys or toy pieces.
Large objects, such as pieces of food or coins, can often become lodged just above the larynx, causing complete suffocation. Small, sharp objects, such as fish bones, can become lodged just above or below the larynx, causing only partial suffocation.
Other risk factors for choking
Not chewing food properly is the biggest risk factor. There can be several reasons for this, some of which we can't control:
- If the teeth are loose, or if there are no teeth.
- When you have dentures, it's hard to know if you're chewing food properly.
- If you have TMJ dysfunction, you won't be able to chew properly.
- Eating in a hurry because there is not enough time.
Eating while lying in bed with your head down also increases the risk.
Also, people with certain medical conditions may experience difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia). For example, people with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Myasthenia gravis, and Multiple sclerosis are more likely to choke.
Complications of Choking
When you choke, the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain decreases (cerebral hypoxia). If this continues, the brain can become completely deprived of oxygen (cerebral anoxia). This can lead to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, brain damage, and even death. That's why choking is not something to be taken lightly.
What should we do if someone is choking? (What to do if someone is choking?)
If someone is trapped in your space, the first thing you should do is try not to panic. It's easier said than done. However, staying calm will help you make the right decisions and help safely. If you have been trained in first aid, be prepared to use it. Here are some general tips:
1. Assess the situation: If someone is coughing loudly (meaning they can barely breathe), don't rush to provide first aid. Most likely, they will be able to cough and spit it out on their own. If you intervene, you may make the situation worse. Instead, wait and see what happens. Encourage them to cough. Don't leave them alone until they are completely recovered.
2. Don't try to reach into your mouth and try to dislodge the object: You may feel like reaching into your mouth and pulling out the object. However, you should only do this if you can clearly see the object. If you can, use your index finger to hook it and pull it out. Don't put your fingers everywhere in your mouth. Doing so can push the object further in.
3. Know when to call emergency services: If someone is showing signs of complete choking (can't talk, can't breathe, can't cough properly), you or someone else should immediately call 911 or your local emergency services. Then, begin administering first aid appropriate to the person's age (see below).
How to give first aid to adults and children (Choking First Aid for Adults and Children)
If an adult or child over one year old shows signs of complete choking, tell someone to call emergency services. If no one is nearby, call yourself, but do not delay first aid by putting the phone on speakerphone. Follow these steps:
1. Stand to the side of the trapped person, slightly behind them. If it's a small child, kneel down.
2. Bend the person forward a little.
3. With your non-dominant hand (e.g. if you are right-handed, then your left hand), gently support the person's chest.
4. With the heel of your hand, hit the area between the two shoulder blades five times. This is called `Back Blows` or `Back Slaps`. Hit once and see if the stuck object comes out. Hit five times like this.
5. If the object does not come out after five attempts, perform five abdominal thrusts. This is also called the `Heimlich maneuver.` When doing this, squeeze the fist with one hand and hold the clenched fist with the other. Then, place both hands between the victim's chest and rib cage and push hard inward and upward. (Do not attempt this unless you are trained in this, as it can cause injury if not done correctly.)
6. If it is still stuck, repeat five back thrusts and five abdominal thrusts, alternating, until the stuck object comes out or until medical help arrives.
7. If the person loses consciousness before medical help arrives, begin CPR if possible.
Warning: The Heimlich maneuver is performed differently for pregnant women and obese people. Also, since these methods can damage internal organs, it is essential to see a doctor after administering first aid.
How to give first aid to babies under 1 year old (Choking First Aid for Infants - Babies under 1 year)
If a baby under one year old shows signs of complete choking, tell someone to call 1990, and you should begin giving this first aid:
1. Turn the baby face-down with your dominant hand. Support the baby's head and neck well with your dominant hand.
2. With the back of your hand, give your baby five back slaps, centered between his shoulders. Be firm, but gentle enough not to hurt the baby.
3. Now turn the baby face up.
4. Give five chest thrusts. Use the back of your hand or two fingers to press down on the baby's sternum. The chest should move in about half an inch with each thrust. Do not press all the way down to the bottom of the breastbone.
5. Repeat this process – five back blows, five chest thrusts – alternately, until the blockage comes out or until medical help arrives.
6. If the baby loses consciousness, start giving CPR if possible.
Hospital Treatments for Choking
Most of the time, choking can be managed with first aid. However, some people may need additional treatment in a hospital. This may include:
- A procedure to remove a blockage (such as `(laryngoscopy)`).
- Helping to breathe.
- If other complications occur, treat them.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
If you are trapped and have to receive first aid, be sure to see a doctor afterward. Back blows and abdominal thrusts can save lives, but they can sometimes damage internal organs and bones. The doctor will check for any complications and determine what treatment is needed.
Also, if your child is choking and needs first aid, it is important to see a doctor, even if the child seems fine. Children may not realize that something is wrong or may not be able to tell you that they are hurt.
See a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms after a partial blockage:
- If you feel like something is stuck in your throat.
- If it is difficult to swallow.
- If you cough frequently.
When should I go to the Emergency Room (ETU) ?
If you or someone you know is seriously choking (can't talk, can't breathe, can't cough properly), you need to go to an emergency room immediately. Every second counts, it could save a life.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
Your doctor is the best source of information about how to prevent choking and what to do if you do get choked. If you have young children or are starting a family, talk to your doctor about pediatric first aid training. They can recommend a good program and provide you with the necessary information. The more confident you are in helping others in an emergency, the less anxious you will feel.
Some specific questions you can ask:
- Should I take first aid training? If so, what kind of courses are good?
- Are there any risk factors that could put me at risk of choking?
- What can I do to reduce the risk of getting stuck?
- Are there any reasons why I shouldn't do the Heimlich maneuver?
- What should I do if I get stuck when I'm alone?
If someone in your family is at risk of choking, ask their doctor what can be done to keep them safe. Also, get their thoughts and preferences. Perhaps you can practice first aid regularly. Or you can plan to have someone nearby at all times while they eat. Having a plan will help both of you feel more comfortable.
How can I prevent choking?
Here are a few things to remember:
- Cut food into small pieces and eat with small mouthfuls.
- Don't talk or laugh while chewing food.
- Be mindful when chewing your food, and chew it well.
- Check that dental implants (e.g., implants, dentures, crowns) are in place and working properly.
- Slow down when eating.
- Don't eat while lying down. If you're in bed, sit up as straight as possible (at a 90-degree angle).
There are many things you can do to help your child avoid choking. For example, cut their food into small pieces and teach them to remove objects such as thorns, bits of oil, and bones from their food.
How do I know if my baby is choking or just gagging?
Simply put, gagging is something that happens with a sound (and is usually harmless), while choking is something that often doesn't make a sound (but is dangerous). Gagging is a normal reflex for babies to prevent choking. Gagging happens when they are learning to chew and swallow different foods.
If your baby is `Gagging`, this is what happens:
- There is a loud coughing sound.
- Sticks out tongue.
- You may vomit.
If your baby is choking, this is what happens:
- It's silent.
- A low, whistling sound (Stridor) is heard.
- It will be blue.
Your pediatrician can tell you more about these changes and when to seek medical advice.
What is a choking device?
A choking device is a device used to remove something stuck in the throat. Two popular brands are DeChoker® and LifeVac®. These devices are a bit like the plunger we use in our sinks. They fit tightly around the mouth and use suction force to pull the object out of the airway.
However, you should be very careful when using these. More research is needed to determine when these devices are most effective. Doctors still recommend that traditional first aid methods (back blows and abdominal thrusts) are the most reliable way to respond to a choking situation.
However, these locking devices can sometimes be useful in situations like:
- If all else fails, keep it as a backup until the ambulance arrives.
- For those who are easily injured by abdominal thrusts (e.g., the physically weak).
- For pregnant women, or those whose body shape makes traditional first aid difficult or dangerous.
Before purchasing such a device for yourself or a family member, be sure to talk to a doctor. Get his or her opinion on whether it's a good idea to buy one and when you should use it.
Finally, take-home message:
Choking is a scary thing to experience and witness. However, learning how to prevent choking and what to do if it happens can help keep your whole family safe. At the very least, you can greatly reduce this risk by remembering to slow down and chew your food thoroughly when eating.
Share information about drowning with your loved ones, and refer them to first aid classes. Sometimes, a little reminder can make a big difference. Stay safe everyone!
` Choking, first aid, choking, choking, emergencies, child safety, Heimlich maneuver
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