Choking in an adult or child over 1 year (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What causes Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?== | ==What causes Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?== | ||
* Eating too fast, failing to chew food well enough, or eating with improperly fitted dentures | |||
* Drinking alcohol (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness) | |||
* Being unconscious and breathing in vomited material | |||
* Breathing in small objects | |||
* Injury to the head and face (swelling, blood, or a deformity can cause choking) | |||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== |
Revision as of 20:11, 21 February 2013
Choking in an adult or child over 1 year |
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Overview
Choking is when someone can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
A choking person's airway may be completely or partially blocked, so that not enough oxygen reaches the lungs. A complete blockage is a medical emergency. A partial blockage can quickly become life threatening if the person cannot properly breathe in and out.
Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 - 6 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.
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 persistent cough, pneumonia and wheezing.
What are the symptoms of Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?
What causes Choking in an adult or child over 1 year?
- Eating too fast, failing to chew food well enough, or eating with improperly fitted dentures
- Drinking alcohol (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
- Being unconscious and breathing in vomited material
- Breathing in small objects
- Injury to the head and face (swelling, blood, or a deformity can cause choking)