Choking - unconscious adult or child over 1 year
Definition
Choking is when breathing is hindered or stopped by blockage of the throat or windpipe.
Alternative Names
Heimlich maneuver - unconscious adult or child over 1 yearConsiderations
Without oxygen, the brain begins to die within 4 - 6 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.
After removing the object that caused the choking, keep the person still and get medical help. Anyone who is choking should have a medical examination, since complications can arise not only from the choking incident, but also from the first aid measures that were taken.
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:
If this happens, get medical help right away.
Causes
- Eating (especially eating and laughing at the same time, eating with poorly fitted dentures, eating too fast, and failing to chew food well enough)
- Drinking alcohol (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
- Having trauma to the head and face (swelling or bleeding can cause choking)
- Swallowing small objects (young children)
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