Choking

>> >> >> Choking

Inhaling or swallowing an object may cause choking in an infant or child. In the first five years of life, more children die secondary to choking than any other home accident.

SYMPTOMS OF CHOKING:

Inability to breathe or cry
A high pitched noise while breathing
Ineffective coughing
The face/lips turning blue

PREVENTIOIN OF CHOKING:

Always monitor your children while eating
Cut foods like hot dogs, fruits, and vegetables into small bite sized pieces
Foods that are more likely to cause choking are nuts, sunflower seeds, orange seeds, cherry pits, watermelon seeds, gum, hard candies, popcorn, raw carrots, raw peas, raw celery, and tough meats. Do not give to children younger than four (4).
Balloons are also a major risk factor for choking. Please do not allow your child to pay with deflated balloons or chew on them.
Inspect all toys and clothes for loose parts, such as buttons and eyes from dolls/bears, wheels from small cars, etc.
Do not leave small items in the vicinity where children may play (ie peanuts and hard candies, coins, tacks, paper clips, balloons, wrappers, etc.)
Inspect your child's pacifiers for loose nipples or guards which pass through his/her lips

IF CHOKING OCCURS:

Immediate emergency action is needed - call 911 or the emergency medical system in your area
If you child can breathe but is coughing or wheezing, there may be a partial blockage, DO NOT give a drink, slap their back or hold them upside down; these maneuvers may cause complete blockage - call 911

It is important to learn basic life support techniques for choking and other medical emergencies. For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. These organizations offer classes in choking emergencies, as well as CPR and other life saving techniques.

Choking

Related Links