Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions โ written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Heimlich Maneuver
Introduction
For patient information about Choking in an infant under 1 year, click here
For patient information about Choking in an adult or child over 1 year, click here Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox
Overview
Overview
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 asphyxiation which leads to hypoxia and is potentially fatal.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
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References
Pathophysiology
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Causes
Causes
Choking can be caused by:
- Introduction of a foreign object into the airway, which becomes lodged in the pharynx, larynx or trachea.
- Respiratory diseases that involve obstruction of the airway.
- Compression of the laryngopharynx, larynx or trachea in strangles.
Foreign Objects
The type of choking most commonly recognised as such by the public is the lodging of foreign objects in the airway. 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. In adults, it mostly occurs whilst the patient is eating.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Choking from other Diseases
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Epidemiology and Demographics
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Risk Factors
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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | X Ray | CT | MRI | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]