Choking is a leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 4,862 choking fatalities occurring between 2017 and 2019. The most common cause of choking deaths is food, typically when a person eats too quickly or eats something that is too large for them to swallow. Other common causes of choking include foreign objects, such as small toys, coins, and buttons, as well as medical conditions that can cause a person to aspirate or inhale their own saliva.
Food-Related Choking
Food-related choking is the leading cause of choking deaths in the United States. Food can become lodged in the throat and cause a person to be unable to breathe. Eating too quickly or not chewing food properly can increase the risk of choking. Eating large pieces of food, such as a whole hotdog or a large piece of steak, can also increase the risk of choking.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects, such as small toys, coins, and buttons, are a common cause of choking deaths in children. Children often put small objects in their mouths, which can then enter their throat and block their airway. Parents and caregivers should supervise children closely to reduce the risk of choking.
Aspiration of Saliva
Aspiration of saliva is another common cause of choking deaths. This occurs when a person inhales their own saliva or other fluids into their lungs, which can block their airway. People with neurological conditions, such as stroke and Parkinson's disease, are at an increased risk of aspiration.
Preventing Choking Deaths
The best way to prevent choking deaths is to practice safe eating habits. People should chew their food thoroughly before swallowing, and not eat too quickly. Parents and caregivers should also supervise children closely to prevent them from putting small objects in their mouths. If a person is choking, they should be given first aid such as the Heimlich maneuver or chest thrusts.
