Choking in an adult or child over 1 year (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What are the symptoms of Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?== | ==What are the symptoms of Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?== | ||
The universal distress signal for choking is grabbing the throat with the hand. | |||
Other danger signs include: | |||
* Bluish skin color | |||
* Difficulty breathing | |||
* Inability to speak | |||
* Loss of consciousness if blockage is not cleared | |||
* Noisy breathing or high-pitched sounds while inhaling | |||
* Weak, ineffective coughing | |||
==What causes Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?== | ==What causes Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?== |
Revision as of 20:12, 21 February 2013
Choking in an adult or child over 1 year |
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Overview
Choking is when someone can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
A choking person's airway may be completely or partially blocked, so that not enough oxygen reaches the lungs. A complete blockage is a medical emergency. A partial blockage can quickly become life threatening if the person cannot properly breathe in and out.
Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 - 6 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.
Occasionally an object will enter the lung. While the person may appear to improve and breathe normally, in a few days symptoms may develop, such as persistent cough, pneumonia and wheezing.
What are the symptoms of Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?
The universal distress signal for choking is grabbing the throat with the hand.
Other danger signs include:
- Bluish skin color
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to speak
- Loss of consciousness if blockage is not cleared
- Noisy breathing or high-pitched sounds while inhaling
- Weak, ineffective coughing
What causes Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?
- Eating too fast, failing to chew food well enough, or eating with improperly fitted dentures
- Drinking alcohol (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
- Being unconscious and breathing in vomited material
- Breathing in small objects
- Injury to the head and face (swelling, blood, or a deformity can cause choking)