Symptoms
- Inability to talk
- Difficulty breathing and/or noisy breathing
- Squeaky sounds when trying to breathe
- Weak coughing
- Skin, lips, or nails turning blue
- Flushed skin that turns pale or blue
- Loss of consciousness
- Hands clutched to throat in universal choking sign
Causes
- Foreign object lodged in the throat or windpipe blocking airflow
- Frequently a piece of food
What can be done at home
- Back blows
- Heimlich maneuver
- This can be performed by someone else or on yourself if absolutely necessary
- Call 911
- If person loses consciousness and their heart stops beating:
- Perform CPR IF qualified
When to see a doctor
-
- If object is not easily dislodged, immediately to check for damage due to oxygen deficits
Any other helpful info
- Do not perform CPR unless you’re qualified
