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choking

 
(chō'kĭng) pronunciation
adj.
  1. Causing a feeling of being choked or suffocated: The hall was filled with choking clouds of smoke.
  2. Having a strained or husky sound: spoke in a choking voice.
chokingly chok'ing·ly adv.

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1. Difficulty in breathing because of blockage or partial blockage of the airway. Choking may have internal causes, such as emotional distress, as well as external causes, such as a direct blow to the throat.

2. Colloquially applied to athletes whose performance deteriorates under stress. Such athletes may feel as if they are physically choking because of tightening of the bronchial muscles around the airway. An athlete who chokes may be one who, through poor pacing or excessive enthusiasm, makes too much effort too early in a competition (e.g. a runner may go off too fast at the start of a race). The resulting accumulation of lactic acid induces hyperventilation and an uncomfortable tightening of the airway. The fear of competition may also induce excessive hyperventilation.

Definition

Choking is a condition caused by inhalation of a foreign object that partially or fully blocks the airway.

Description

Choking is a major cause of respiratory emergencies and cardiac arrest in infants and children. Choking occurs when a foreign object, such as food, buttons, coins, or toy parts, are inhaled and partially or completely block the airway, preventing adequate breathing. In many cases of choking, particularly in adults, the individual actively coughs and is able to expel the foreign object with no assistance or medical attention. However, children and infants are at increased risk of choking and foreign body airway obstruction due to immature airway and dental anatomy, distraction and play during eating, and a natural tendency to put objects into their mouths.

A 1995 study of the characteristics of objects known to commonly cause choking deaths in children found that round objects are most dangerous. For example, a small ball or marble can completely seal a child's or infant's trachea (windpipe). Round or cylindrical foods, hard candy, chewing gum, and balloons also present choking hazards. In infants, choking usually results from inhalation of small objects (coins, small toys, deflated balloons, buttons) that they place in their mouths.

Demographics

Each year, more than 17,000 infants and children are treated in hospital emergency departments for choking-related incidents, and more than 80 percent of these occur in children aged four years and younger. Airway obstruction death and injury are especially prevalent in children under age four due to anatomy (small airway), natural curiosity and tendency to put objects in their mouths, and incomplete chewing. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, choking rates in 2001 were highest in infants.

Causes and Symptoms

Choking is a major cause of death for children under three and is a hazard for older children as well. Young children naturally explore the world with their mouths, and they will readily put in their mouths anything that fits. If a small object slips back into the throat and blocks the trachea, the child may become unable to breathe, and unless the child is helped to eject the object quickly, the child may asphyxiate and die. Food is also a choking hazard, especially for children under three who do not know how to chew food thoroughly.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 17,000 or so cases of pediatric choking in 2001, 60 percent were related to food, 31 percent were related to non-food substances, and 9 percent were related to undetermined objects. Of the food-related choking incidents, 19 percent resulted from candy or gum. Of the choking incidents resulting from non-food objects, 13 percent were related to coins.

Food-related choking usually occurs because infants and young children do not chew their food well, and larger pieces can become stuck in their throat. The following foods have been identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics as presenting choking hazards:

  • hot dogs
  • hard candy
  • chewing gum
  • nuts and seeds
  • chunks of meat or cheese
  • whole grapes
  • popcorn
  • chunks of peanut butter
  • raw vegetables
  • raisins

The following objects have been identified as presenting choking hazards:

  • coins
  • buttons
  • marbles
  • small balls
  • deflated balloons
  • watch batteries
  • jewelry
  • ball point pen caps and paper clips
  • arts and crafts supplies
  • small toys and toys with small detachable parts

When to Call the Doctor

All infants, children, and adolescents who have a choking incident should see a doctor, since complications can occur even if the object causing the choking is successfully expelled. Sometimes, pieces can be aspirated into the lungs, and even though breathing returns to normal, wheezing, chest pain, persistent cough, and pneumonia can develop within a few days due to the foreign body in the lung. Foreign bodies may require removal by bronchoscopy or surgery.

Vomiting may occur after being treated with the Heimlich maneuver. All infants and children who experience a choking episode severe enough to require the Heimlich maneuver should be taken to the hospital emergency room to be examined for airway injuries.

Diagnosis

Choking is diagnosed by observation of the choking victim. Children able to actively cough should be watched to make sure they expel the object on their own and that their airways do not become blocked. Indications that a choking victim's airway is blocked include the following:

  • inability to cough, cry, or speak
  • blue or purple face color from lack of oxygen
  • grabbing at throat
  • weak cough and labored breathing that produces a high-pitched noise
  • all of the above, followed by loss of consciousness

When the actual choking incident is not observed, choking can be diagnosed by observing the above symptoms. For children, infants, and adolescents who are unconscious, choking and foreign body obstruction can be diagnosed by attempting to give rescue breaths. If a breath administered to the victim does not inflate the chest, rescuers should assume that the airway is blocked and take steps to clear the airway.

Treatment

An emergency choking incident is treated using the Heimlich maneuver, usually administered by parents, caregivers and teachers, or bystanders. Children who have a choking incident that requires the Heimlich maneuver should be examined by a physician for potential injuries to their airway and aftereffects of oxygen deprivation.

The Heimlich maneuver is used when a child is choking on a foreign object to the extent that he/she cannot breathe. Oxygen deprivation from a foreign body airway obstruction can result in permanent brain damage or death in four minutes or less. Using the Heimlich maneuver can save a choking victim's life. The Heimlich maneuver is not performed on infants under one year of age; rather, a series of back blows and chest thrusts are used to attempt to dislodge the foreign object.

If the foreign body cannot be expelled from the child's airway using the Heimlich maneuver, cardiac and/or respiratory arrest may occur, and the child may stop breathing. If this happens, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed to restore and maintain breathing and circulation and to provide oxygen and blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. CPR can be performed by trained laypeople or healthcare professionals on infants, children, adolescents, and adults. CPR should be performed if an infant, child, or adolescent is unconscious and not breathing.

Prognosis

Incorrectly applied, the Heimlich maneuver can break bones or damage internal organs. Following the Heimlich maneuver, dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and obstructive pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs) may occur and require medical treatment.

In many cases the foreign material is dislodged from the throat, and the choking victim suffers no permanent effects of the episode. If the foreign material is not removed, the choking victim may suffer permanent brain damage from lack of oxygen or may die.

Prevention

Choking is easily preventable by taking the following steps:

  • supervising infants and children while they eat and play
  • childproofing play areas by removing small objects
  • cutting foods into very small pieces
  • avoiding serving foods listed above as choking hazards to children under age four
  • monitoring older children to make sure they do not give younger children hazardous foods or objects
  • following age and safety guidelines on toys
  • learning CPR and the Heimlich maneuver
  • not letting children and infants play with coins

Parental Concerns

Because most choking incidents occur in the home, all parents and infant/child caregivers should be trained in the Heimlich maneuver. Training is available through the American Red Cross and American Heart Association at local schools, YMCAs, and community centers.

The likelihood of choking incidents can be reduced by closely supervising infants and children while they eat and play. Most choking incidents are associated with food items, especially hot dogs, candies, grapes, nuts, popcorn, and carrots. Common non-food items that present choking hazards include deflated balloons, buttons, coins, small balls, small toys, and toy parts. All toys should be examined to make sure they are age-appropriate and do not have loose parts.

Resources

Books

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 2001.

Periodicals

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Nonfatal Choking-Related Episodes among Children—United States, 2001." Journal of the American Medical Association 288 (November 20, 2002): 2400–02.

Vikle, Gary M., et al. "Airway Obstruction in Children Aged Less than Five Years: The Prehospital Experience." Prehospital Emergency Care 8 (2004): 196–99.

Organizations

American Heart Association. 7320 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. Web site: www.americanheart.org.

The Heimlich Institute. 311 Straight St., Cincinnati, OH 45219–9957. Web site: www.heimlichinstitute.org.

Web Sites

"Choking Episodes among Children." National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Available online at www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/spotlite/choking.htm (accessed December 8, 2004).

"Heimlich Maneuver." American Heart Association, 2004. Available online at www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4605 (accessed December 8, 2004).

"Infant First Aid for Choking and CPR: An Illustrated Guide." BabyCenter, 2004. Available online at www.babycenter.com/general/9298.html (accessed December 8, 2004).

National Safe Kids Campaign. Available online at www.safekids.org (accessed December 8, 2004).

[Article by: Jennifer E. Sisk, M.A.]



1. Difficulty in breathing due to any interference of the airway causing partial or complete blockage. The condition may be due to internal causes, such as emotional disturbance or external causes, such as a direct blow to the throat.

2. Colloquially applied to athletes whose performance deteriorates under stress, such as before an important competition. Such athletes may feel as if they are physically choking because their bronchial muscles tighten. An athlete who chokes may be one who, through poor pacing or excessive enthusiasm, develops a significant anaerobic effort too early in a competition. Consequently, the accumulation of lactic acid induces hyperventilation and an uncomfortable tightening of the airway. Alternatively, the fear of competition may induce excessive hyperventilation.

Pertaining to choke. Used to describe a syndrome in horses with dorsal soft palate displacement. A clinical sign of laryngeal disease.

Random House Word Menu:

categories related to 'choking'

Top
Random House Word Menu by Stephen Glazier
For a list of words related to choking, see:
  • Signs and Symptoms - choking: obstruction of windpipe, causing partial or complete stoppage of breathing
  • Unnatural Deaths - choking: windpipe obstruction by physical pressure or due to breathing of poisoned air


Choking
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 F41.0, R06.8, T17, W78-W80
ICD-9 784.9, 933.1
MeSH D000402

Choking is the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs. Choking prevents breathing, and can be partial or complete, with partial choking allowing some, although inadequate, flow of air into the lungs. Prolonged or complete choking results in asphyxia which leads to anoxia and is potentially fatal. Oxygen stored in the blood and lungs keep the victim alive for several minutes after breathing is stopped completely.[1]

Choking can be caused by:

Contents

Foreign objects

The type of choking most commonly recognized as such by the public is the lodging of foreign objects (also known as foreign bodies, but consisting of any object which comes from outside the body itself, including food, toys or household objects) in the airway.[2]

This type of choking is often suffered by small children, who are unable to appreciate the hazard inherent in putting small objects in their mouth.[3] In adults, it mostly occurs whilst the patient is eating. In one study, peanuts were the most common obstruction.[4]

Symptoms and clinical signs

  • The person cannot speak or cry out, or has great difficulty and limited ability to do so.
  • Breathing, if possible, is labored, producing gasping or wheezing.
  • The person has a violent and largely involuntary cough, gurgle, or vomiting noise, though more serious choking victims will have a limited (if any) ability to produce these symptoms since they require at least some air movement.
  • The person desperately clutches his or her throat or mouth, or attempts to induce vomiting by putting their fingers down their throat.
  • If breathing is not restored, the person's face turns blue (cyanosis) from lack of oxygen.
  • The person does any or all of the above, and if breathing is not restored, then becomes unconscious.

Treatment

Choking can be treated with a number of different procedures, with both basic techniques available for first aiders and more advanced techniques available for health professionals.

Many members of the public associate abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich Maneuver with the correct procedure for choking, which is partly due to the widespread use of this technique in movies, which in turn was based on the widespread adoption of this technique in the United States at the time.

Most modern protocols, including those of the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, who changed policy in 2006[5] from recommending only abdominal thrusts) involve several stages, designed to apply increasingly more pressure.

The key stages in most modern protocols include:

Encouraging the victim to cough

This stage was introduced in many protocols as it was found that many people were too quick to undertake potentially dangerous interventions, such as abdominal thrusts, for items which could have been dislodged without intervention. Also, if the choking is caused by an irritating substance rather than an obstructing one, and if conscious, the patient should be allowed to drink water on their own to try to clear the throat. Since the airway is already closed, there is very little danger of water entering the lungs. Coughing is normal after most of the irritant has cleared, and at this point the patient will probably refuse any additional water for a short time.

Back slaps

The majority of protocols now advocate the use of hard blows with the heel of the hand on the upper back of the victim. The number to be used varies by training organization, but is usually between five and twenty.

The back slap is designed to use percussion to create pressure behind the blockage, assisting the patient in dislodging the article. In some cases the physical vibration of the action may also be enough to cause movement of the article sufficient to allow clearance of the airway.

Almost all protocols give back slaps as a technique to be used before to the consideration of potentially damaging interventions such as abdominal thrusts,[6][7] but Henry Heimlich, noted for promulgating abdominal thrusts, wrote in a letter to the New York Times that back slaps were proven to cause death by lodging foreign objects in to the windpipe.[8]

The findings of a 1982 Yale study by Day, DuBois, and Crelin that "persuaded the American Heart Association to stop recommending back blows for dealing with choking...was partially funded by Heimlich's own foundation."[9] According to Roger White MD of the Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association (AHA), "There was never any science here. Heimlich overpowered science all along the way with his slick tactics and intimidation, and everyone, including us at the AHA, caved in."[10]

Abdominal thrusts

A demonstration of abdominal thrusts

Abdominal thrusts, also known by the proprietary name the Heimlich Maneuver (after Henry Heimlich, who first described the procedure in a June 1974 informal article entitled "Pop Goes the Cafe Coronary", published in the journal Emergency Medicine). Edward A. Patrick, MD, PhD, an associate of Heimlich, has claimed to be the uncredited co-developer of the procedure.[11] Heimlich has objected to the name "abdominal thrusts" on the grounds that the vagueness of the term "abdomen" could cause the rescuer to exert force at the wrong site.[12]

Performing abdominal thrusts involves a rescuer standing behind a patient and using their hands to exert pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm. This compresses the lungs and exerts pressure on any object lodged in the trachea, hopefully expelling it. This amounts to an artificial cough.

Due to the forceful nature of the procedure, even when done correctly it can injure the person on whom it is performed. Bruising to the abdomen is highly likely and more serious injuries can occur, including fracture of the xiphoid process or ribs.[13]

In some areas, such as Australia, authorities believe that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Abdominal thrusts and their use is not recommended in first aid.[14]

Self treatment with abdominal thrusts

A person may also perform abdominal thrusts on themselves by using a fixed object such as a railing or the back of a chair to apply pressure where a rescuer's hands would normally do so. As with other forms of the procedure, it is possible that internal injuries may result.

Modified chest thrusts

A modified version of the technique is sometimes taught for use with pregnant and/or obese patients. The rescuer places their hand in the center of the chest to compress, rather than in the abdomen.

Finger sweeping

The American Medical Association advocates sweeping the fingers across the back of the throat to attempt to dislodge airway obstructions, once the choking victim becomes unconscious.[15]

Some protocols advocate the use of the rescuer's finger to 'sweep' foreign objects away once they have reached the mouth.[citation needed] However, many modern protocols recommend against the use of the finger sweep since, if the patient is conscious, they will be able to remove the foreign object themselves, or if they are unconscious, the rescuer should simply place them in the recovery position (where the object should fall out due to gravity). There is also a risk of causing further damage (for instance inducing vomiting) by using a finger sweep technique.

Direct vision removal

The advanced medical procedure to remove such objects is inspection of the airway with a laryngoscope or bronchoscope, and removal of the object under direct vision, followed by CPR if the patient does not start breathing on their own. Severe cases where there is an inability to remove the object may require cricothyrotomy.

CPR

In most protocols, once the patient has become unconscious, the emphasis switches to performing CPR, involving both chest compressions and artificial respiration. These actions are often enough to dislodge the item sufficiently for air to pass it, allowing gaseous exchange in the lungs.

Notable victims

Other uses of abdominal thrusts

Dr. Heimlich also advocates the use of the technique as a treatment for drowning[21] and asthma[22] attacks, but Heimlich's promotion to use the maneuver to treat these conditions resulted in marginal acceptance. Criticism of these uses has been the subject of numerous print and television reports which resulted from an internet and media campaign by his son, Peter M. Heimlich, who alleges that in August 1974 his father published the first of a series of fraudulent case reports in order to promote the use of abdominal thrusts for near-drowning rescue.[23]

References

  1. ^ Ross, Darrell Lee; Chan, Theodore C (2006). Sudden Deaths in Custody. ISBN 9781597450157. http://books.google.com/?id=BFl6GGZsqp4C&pg=PA49&dq=Asphyxiation+and+Ventilatory+Requirements#v=onepage&q=Asphyxiation%20and%20Ventilatory%20Requirements&f=false. 
  2. ^ "Foreign Body Aspiration: Overview - eMedicine". http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/298940-overview. Retrieved 2008-12-16. 
  3. ^ "Choking Prevention". American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org). 2010-06-14. http://www.healthychildren.org/english/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/pages/choking-prevention.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token. 
  4. ^ Yadav SP, Singh J, Aggarwal N, Goel A (September 2007). "Airway foreign bodies in children: experience of 132 cases". Singapore Med J 48 (9): 850–3. PMID 17728968. http://smj.sma.org.sg/4809/4809a10.pdf. 
  5. ^ Red Cross press release on the move from abdominal thrusts only to an integrated protocol
  6. ^ Guildner CW, Williams D, Subitch T (September 1976). "Airway obstructed by foreign material: the Heimlich maneuver". JACEP 5 (9): 675–7. PMID 1018395. 
  7. ^ Langhelle A, Sunde K, Wik L, Steen PA (April 2000). "Airway pressure with chest compressions versus Heimlich manoeuvre in recently dead adults with complete airway obstruction". Resuscitation 44 (2): 105–8. doi:10.1016/S0300-9572(00)00161-1. PMID 10767497. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0300-9572(00)00161-1. 
  8. ^ "Heimlich, on the maneuver". New York Times. 2009-02-06. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/opinion/l06heimlich.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=heimlich&st=cse. Retrieved 2009-02-07. 
  9. ^ "Lifejackets on Ice (August 2005)". University of Pittsburgh Medical School. http://pittmed.health.pitt.edu/AUG_2005/life_jackets.pdf?_r=1&scp=1&sq=heimlich&st=cse. Retrieved 2009-05-24. 
  10. ^ Pamela Mills-Senn. "A New Maneuver (August 2005)". Cincinnati Magazine. http://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/archives/article.aspx?id=34600?_r=1&scp=1&sq=heimlich&st=cse. Retrieved 2009-05-24. 
  11. ^ "Patrick Institute". http://patrickinstitute.org/press_release.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-08. 
  12. ^ John R. Fletemeyer, Sports Aid Intl Inc, Samuel James Freas (1998). Drowning: new perspectives on intervention and prevention. Informa Health Care. ISBN 9781574442236. http://books.google.com/?id=Xcnwm8zE24QC&pg=PA206&dq=Heimlich+lethal#v=onepage&q=Heimlich%20lethal&f=false. 
  13. ^ Broomfield, James (2007-01-01). "Heimlich maneuver on self". Discovery Channel. http://www.health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/illnesses.html?article=671. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  14. ^ Swan, Norman (27 July 2009). "The Heimlich manoeuvre". The Health Report. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.abc.net.au/rn/healthreport/stories/2009/2634253.htm. Retrieved 2009-07-27. "...the reason it's not taught is the simple fact that research conducted here in Australia and also overseas has proven that it can be dangerous..." 
  15. ^ American Medical Association (2009-05-05). American Medical Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care. Random House. ISBN 9781400007127. http://books.google.com/?id=WuvXnhwU8nQC&pg=PR8&dq=AMA+Emergency#v=onepage&q=dislodge%20the%20object&f=false. 
  16. ^ "Bush makes light of pretzel scare". BBC News. 2002-01-14. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1758848.stm. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  17. ^ "Jimmie Foxx Obituary". http://www.armchairgm.com/index.php?title=Jimmie_Foxx. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  18. ^ "Biography of Tennessee Williams". IMDB. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931783/bio. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  19. ^ "Urban Legend of Mama Cass choking". Snopes Urban Legend Reference. http://www.snopes.com/music/artists/mamacass.asp. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  20. ^ "Queen Mother recovers after operation". BBC News. 1999-01-25. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/262249.stm. Retrieved 2009-08-22. 
  21. ^ "Heimlich Institute on rescuing drowning victims". http://www.heimlichinstitute.org/drowning.php. Retrieved 2007-06-05. 
  22. ^ "Heimlich Institute on rescuing asthma victims". http://www.heimlichinstitute.org/asthma.php. Retrieved 2007-06-05. 
  23. ^ Heimlich, Peter M. "'Outmaneuvered - How We Busted the Heimlich Medical Frauds'". http://www.medfraud.info. Retrieved 2007-06-22. 

External links


 
 

 

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American Heritage Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
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$copyright.smallImage.alttext Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health. © 2006 by The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
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