Choking - infant under 1 year
Definition
Choking is when an infant can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).Considerations
A choking infant's airway may be completely or partially blocked. A complete blockage is an urgent medical emergency. A partial obstruction can quickly become life threatening if the infant loses the ability to breathe in and out sufficiently.
Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.
Causes
Choking in infants is usually caused by inhaling a small object that they have placed in their mouth, such as a button, coin, balloon, or watch battery.
References
Murray JF, ed. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2000:753.
Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: London: Mosby; 2002:90-92.
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