>>Overview
Occurs when foreign object is lodged in windpipe
This blocks oxygen supply to brain
In adults, choking occurs due to food
In children it also occurs on swallowing an object
Choking could be fatal, if first aid not given
>>Causes
Swallowing a large piece of food
Swallowing food that is not well chewed
Eating food quickly
Eating and talking
Consuming alcohol before a meal
Wearing dentures
Being careless about children
Walking / playing with food in mouth
>> Symptoms
Hands will grasp throat
Breathlessness
Noisy breathing
Inability to cough
Skin, nails and lips may turn blue
Loss of consciousness
>>Treatment
Heimlich maneuver and CPR –2 techniques
If person is unable to talk, try Heimlich maneuver
Forces the diaphragm upto the lungs
Creates an artificial cough
Heimlich Maneuver on a standing person
Stand behind the person
Form a fist with one hand
Place fist below ribcage, thumb inward
Hold the fist with other hand
Keep arms off ribcage
Give four inward and upward thrust
Repeat till the object is ejected
Same method is used for a child too
>> Heimlich Maneuver On an Unconscious Person
If person is lying down, straddle the person with your knees
Place heel of one hand above waistline
Place other hand over the first
Give four inward and upward thrust
Repeat till object is coughed out
>> Heimlich Maneuver On an Infant
Place your forearm over your raised knees
Place the infant face down over your fore arm
Give four blows using the heel of your hand
Repeat till object comes out
If it does not work, turn the baby
Place two fingers an inch below the imaginary line connecting nipples
Give four thrusts forcefully to bring out the object
Repeat if required
>>Prevention
While eating, concentrate on the task
Do not eat quickly, without chewing
Supervise children while they eat
Give easily chewable, soft food to children
Do not leave tiny objects within the reach of children
