Author
Dr Rajesh Phatak MD, FRCPCH
He is currently working as Pediatric Intensive Care Consultant at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi UAE. He has had post-graduation in Mumbai, India and further training in the UK. He was a Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care at Manchester Children Hospital, UK before he moved to UAE.
What is Choking?
Choking is when something becomes stuck in a person’s breathing pipe, making it difficult or impossible for them to breathe. If the airway is partly blocked, the body tries to clear the airway by coughing. If the airway is completely blocked, the stuck item must be removed or the child will not be able to breathe and could die. Hence, it becomes pertinent to remove any obstruction as soon as is feasible. Prevention is even betterHow common is it?
Around the world, every day 3 children choke to death.Which age groups is it most common in?
Choking can occur in all age groups including adults. Children who are just starting to explore feeding themselves and are constantly putting things in their mouths (between 7-12 months) are at particular risk.Almost 60% of choking related incidents where food related
What are common causes of choking in children?
Objects- Coins, plastic toy parts, buttons, earrings, small magnets, metal hardware, and party balloons are common choking hazards.
- Button batteries – They can be particularly dangerous as they can cause tissue damage within hours in addition to the blockage. Urgent medical attention is recommended for removal.
- Round and rubbery foods such as grapes can completely block a child’s airway.
- Peanuts, other nuts, raw carrots, apples, celery, popcorn, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds, dried peas, fish bones and dried fruits like raisins are also common choking hazards.
How can we make playing safer for children?
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Teach the child not to put small objects between their lips or in their mouths. Check the child’s play area often for choking hazards and quickly remove them.
- Be extra watchful at parties and holidays, when balloons or small toys may be around.
How can we make eating safer for young children and toddlers?
Always supervise young babies and children when they are eating.- Offer food in small amount to prevent children from putting too much food in their mouths
- Do not give hard, crunchy foods to a child until they are at least 4 years old
- Make sure the child is awake and alert before offering them food.
- Have children sit up while eating and drinking.
- If a child is laughing or crying, settle them before offering them food.
When should Parents and Health care Professionals consider choking in their child?
What you can do when you suspect choking in your child? For a child under 1 year
Recognition is very important. Someone who is choking may be clutching at their chest or neck and won’t be able to speak, breathe or cough. In many young infants, there may not be a specific history. Watch out for coughing spells or episodes immediately after or during eating.Step 1:Give up to five back blows: hold the baby face-down along your thigh with their head lower than their bottom. Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades up to five times. If back blows do not dislodge the blockage, move on to step 2.
Step 2:Give up to five chest thrusts: turn the baby over so they are facing upwards. Place two fingers in the middle of their chest just below the nipples. Push sharply downwards up to five times.
- Give up to five back blows: hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades. If back blows do not dislodge the object, move on to step 2.
- Give up to five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) : hold the child around the waist and pull inwards and upwards above their belly button
Is it a good idea to give a choking child a glass of water or something to eat?
No, it’s not a good idea as it will not dislodge the blockage and could make the situation worse by causing a further blockage or aspiration into the wind pipe.
Can I do abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on a baby?
No, please don’t squeeze a baby’s tummy. Abdominal thrusts are recommended to help choking children > 1 year and adults only
Where can I watch some videos to enhance learning of this subject?
Children First Aid: Choking Child part 1 | First Aid | British Red Cross Children First Aid: Choking Child part 2 | First Aid | British Red Cross How to help a choking child
