Choking

Recognition

Because recognition of choking (airway obstruction by a foreign body) is the key to successful outcome, it is important not to confuse this emergency with fainting, heart attack, seizure, or other conditions that may cause sudden respiratory distress, cyanosis, or loss of consciousness.

Foreign bodies may cause either mild or severe airway obstruction. The signs and symptoms enabling differentiation between mild and severe airway obstruction are summarised in the table below. It is important to ask the conscious victim ‘Are you choking?’

General signs of choking

Attack occurs while eating

Victim may clutch his neck

Signs of severe airway obstruction

Response to question ‘Are you

choking?’

 Victim unable to speak

 Victim may respond by nodding

Other signs

 Victim unable to breathe

 Breathing sounds wheezy

 Attempts at coughing are silent

 Victim may be unconscious

 

Signs of mild airway obstruction

Response to question ‘Are you

choking?’

 Victim speaks and answers yes

Other signs

 Victim is able to speak, cough,and breath