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Choking - infant under 1 year

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Choking first aid - infant under 1 year - series

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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.

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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. 3^rd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2000:753.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, Mo.: London: Mosby; 2002:90-92.

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