Choking is when an infant can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).
Considerations:
A choking infant'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 infant 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:
Choking in infants is usually caused by inhaling a small object that they have placed in their mouth, such as a button, coin, balloon, or watch battery.
Symptoms:
The danger signs of true choking are:
Inability to cry or make much sound
Weak, ineffective coughing
Soft or high-pitched sounds while inhaling
Difficulty breathing - ribs and chest retract
Bluish skin color
Loss of consciousness if blockage is not cleared
Review Date: 7/17/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Injury/Emergency, General Pediatrics
