Choking

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

• Choking Overview
• Choking Causes
• Choking Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Choking Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Choking Overview

Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which prevents a person from breathing effectively. Choking can cause a simple coughing fit, but complete blockage of the airway may lead to death.

Choking is a true medical emergency that requires fast, appropriate action by anyone available. Emergency medical teams may not arrive in time to save a choking person's life.

• Breathing is an essential part of life. When we inhale, we breathe in a mix of nitrogen (75%), oxygen (21%), carbon dioxide, and other gases (4%).

• In the lungs, oxygen enters the bloodstream to travel to the rest of the body. Our bodies use oxygen as a fuel source to make energy from the food we eat. Carbon dioxide, a waste product, enters the bloodstream and travels back to the lungs.

• When we exhale, we breathe out carbon dioxide (8%), nitrogen (71%), and oxygen (16%).

• When someone is choking with a completely blocked airway, no oxygen can enter the lungs. The brain is extremely sensitive to this lack of oxygen and begins to die within four to six minutes. It is during this time that first aid must take place. Irreversible brain death occurs in as little as 10 minutes.