Overview of Choking Cough
Choking cough occurs when an object (such as food or another item) becomes lodged in the back of the throat, obstructing the airway. This emergency situation can lead to difficulty breathing. While painful, objects stuck in the esophagus do not necessarily cause a person to stop breathing.
What Causes the Choking Cough?
Several factors can increase the risk of choking:
- Age: Children under 5 years old and older adults are more susceptible to choking.
- Medical Conditions:
- Neurological illnesses: Conditions affecting muscle control and coordination.
- Muscular degeneration: Diseases like muscular dystrophy weaken muscles.
- Esophageal disorders: Narrowed esophagus due to chronic acid reflux (GERD).
- Anatomical abnormalities: Genetic issues affecting swallowing (e.g., cleft lip).
- Activities and Habits:
- Eating too quickly
- Not sitting down while eating
- Inadequate chewing
- Eating while lying down
- Consuming excessive alcohol
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Prevention of Choking Cough
Children
- Child-proof your home as much as possible
- Keep small objects away from young children during their oral phase of development
- Educate older children about safe items to put in their mouths
Older Adults
- Take smaller bites
- Chew food thoroughly
- Eat slowly
- Remove distractions during meals
Common Choking Hazards
- Latex balloons: A leading cause of death in children under 6
- Small objects: Marbles, coins, and small toys
- Disc batteries: Especially dangerous due to potential leakage of toxic contents
- Caps: Pen or marker caps.
- Safety pins
Treatment for Choking Cough
Self-Care
- Cough continuously to dislodge the object causing choking
- Perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself if needed
Seek Medical Attention Immediately if you notice;
- The choked person stops breathing or making noise
- Bluish tint to the lips or nails
- Weak cough
Healthcare Professionals Involved:
- Primary care physician: Specializes in acute and chronic illnesses and preventive care.
- Speech therapist: Evaluates and treats voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders.
- Otolaryngologist: Diagnoses and treats ear, nose, and throat diseases.
- Emergency medicine specialist: Manages urgent medical conditions.
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Remember, prompt action is crucial during choking episodes. If you suspect choking, seek immediate help and follow appropriate steps to prevent complications. If you have any specific concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is an emergency technique used to dislodge an object from a person’s airway when they are choking. It was developed by Dr. Henry Heimlich in the 1970s and has since become a widely recognised method for saving lives during choking incidents.
Here’s how the Heimlich maneuver is performed:
Identify Choking:
- If someone is choking, they may be unable to speak or breathe properly.
- Encourage the person to cough forcefully to try to dislodge the object.
- If coughing doesn’t work, move on to the next steps.
Stand Behind the Person:
- Position yourself behind the choking person.
- Make sure they are standing or sitting upright.
Locate the Navel (Belly Button):
- Place your arms around the person’s waist.
- Form a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the middle of the abdomen, just above the navel.
Perform Abdominal Thrusts:
- Grasp your fist with your other hand.
- Quickly and forcefully thrust inward and upward into the person’s abdomen.
- The goal is to create enough pressure to expel the obstructing object.
Repeat:
- Continue performing abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.
- If the person loses consciousness, lower them gently to the ground and begin CPR if necessary.
Seek Medical Help:
- Even if the object is dislodged successfully, it’s essential to seek medical attention afterwards.
- Choking incidents can cause internal injuries or complications.
Remember these important points:
Adaptations for Different Ages:
- For infants (under 1 year old), use back blows and chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.
- For pregnant individuals or obese individuals, position your hands higher, just below the chest.
Call for Help:
- If you’re alone, perform the Heimlich maneuver first and then call for emergency assistance.
The Heimlich maneuver is a valuable skill to learn, especially if you’re often around young children or older adults. Proper training and practice are essential to perform it effectively. If you suspect someone is choking, act promptly to prevent complications and save a life.
