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Choking - adult or child over 1 year
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| Choking - adult or child over 1 year |
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Definition:
Choking is when someone can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
Alternative Names:
Heimlich maneuver - adult or child over 1 year
Considerations:
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A choking person'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 person 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:
- Eating too fast, failing to chew food well enough, or eating with improperly fitted dentures
- Alcohol consumption (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
- Unconscious or stuporous persons may inhale vomited material
- Small objects inhaled by young children
- Trauma to the head and face (swelling or blood can cause choking)
References:
Murray, JF. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2000. Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.
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