Choking can happen unexpectedly, especially while eating. Knowing how to react quickly can be crucial to saving a life. “The first step is to check if the person is conscious and can cough. In children, it is more common for the object causing the choking to be in the mouth and visible; it can be a fruit pit or a large piece of meat or bread. On the other hand, in adults, the object is usually deeper in the respiratory tract”, says Dr. Juan Manuel Jiménez, an internist from the Internal Medicine and Emergency Department of our clinic, who provides us with valuable recommendations in these cases.

What to do in case of choking?

1. Heimlich maneuver. If the person is unable to cough, use this technique. Stand behind the affected person, encircling the abdomen with both arms, and perform a strong, rapid upward compression just below the sternum.
2. If the object is visible, remove it carefully. If not, use the Heimlich maneuver with less force. In infants, the technique involves placing them face down and patting the back.
3. Further evaluation. After the Heimlich maneuver, if the person is still agitated or has difficulty breathing, the person should be taken immediately to the nearest health center.

How to avoid choking?

• Chew well. Chew each bite slowly, at least 30 times before passing food.
• Do not talk while eating. Avoid talking or laughing while you have food in your mouth.
• Cut food into small portions. Especially for children and the elderly, who are at higher risk of choking.

Remember:

It is crucial to recognize the signs that indicate severe airway obstruction: shortness of breath, blueness of the lips, fingers or face (cyanosis), and loss of consciousness.