Choking facts for kids
Choking happens when something blocks your windpipe. This tube carries air to your lungs. When the windpipe is blocked, it becomes hard or impossible to breathe.
Sometimes, the air flow is completely stopped. Other times, some air can still get through. If your body doesn't get enough oxygen, it can lead to oxygen deprivation. Even if breathing stops, the oxygen already in your blood and lungs can keep you alive for a few minutes.
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What is Choking?
Choking is a serious medical emergency. It happens when an object, usually food, gets stuck in the throat or windpipe. This blockage stops air from reaching the lungs. It can be very scary and needs quick help.
Why Does Choking Happen?
Choking often happens by accident. Here are some common reasons:
- Eating too fast: Not chewing food properly before swallowing.
- Talking or laughing while eating: This can make food go down the wrong way.
- Small objects: Young children might put small toys or other items in their mouths.
- Medical conditions: Some health issues can make swallowing difficult.
What Happens When Someone Chokes?
When someone chokes, their body tries to clear the blockage. You might see these signs:
- Coughing: This is the body's natural way to try and push the object out.
- Gasping for air: They might make wheezing or squeaking sounds.
- Difficulty speaking: They might not be able to talk or make much noise.
- Holding their throat: This is a common sign that someone is choking.
- Skin color changes: Their face might turn blue or pale if they aren't getting enough oxygen.
- Losing consciousness: If the blockage isn't cleared, they might pass out.
How to Help Someone Who is Choking
If you see someone choking, it's important to act fast.
- Ask if they are choking: If they can cough or speak, encourage them to keep coughing.
- Call for help: If they can't cough, speak, or breathe, call your local emergency number (like 911 in the US or 999 in the UK) right away.
- Perform back blows: Stand behind the person. Lean them forward a little. Give five firm blows with the heel of your hand between their shoulder blades.
- Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver): If back blows don't work, stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button. Grab your fist with your other hand. Pull sharply inward and upward five times.
- Keep alternating: Continue with five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object comes out, or help arrives.
Important: Only use abdominal thrusts on people over one year old. For babies, special first aid steps are needed. It's a good idea to learn first aid from a certified course.
How to Prevent Choking
Preventing choking is often simple. Here are some tips:
- Chew food well: Take small bites and chew your food thoroughly.
- Eat slowly: Don't rush your meals.
- Avoid talking while eating: Focus on eating.
- Cut food into small pieces: Especially for young children, cut grapes, hot dogs, and other round foods into smaller, safer pieces.
- Keep small objects away from young children: Make sure toys and other items that could be swallowed are out of reach.
- Supervise children while eating: Always watch children when they are eating.
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