Choking vs. Suffocation
Choking and suffocation are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Choking occurs when something partially or completely blocks the airway, preventing air from getting to the lungs. Suffocation occurs when not enough oxygen is able to get to the body and carbon dioxide builds up, leading to unconsciousness and even death.
Choking is usually the result of a foreign object, such as food, getting stuck in the throat or windpipe. A person who is choking cannot breathe, speak, or even cough. Choking is most common in children and the elderly, who are more likely to swallow objects that can obstruct the airway. Choking can be treated by carrying out abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) or by removing the object from the airway.
Suffocation is usually caused by a lack of oxygen in the environment, or when something blocks the airway and prevents air from getting to the lungs. Examples of suffocation include being trapped in a confined space, smothering, or drowning. Suffocation can be treated by removing the source of the obstruction and providing artificial respiration or CPR.
In conclusion, choking is when something partially or completely blocks the airway, preventing air from getting to the lungs, while suffocation is when not enough oxygen is able to get to the body and carbon dioxide builds up, leading to unconsciousness and even death.
