Causes

Choking can be caused by food or by small household items. Some foods are more likely to cause choking than others, including:

• Hot dogs
• Nuts
• Chunks of meat, cheese, or peanut butter
• Whole grapes
• Hard candy
• Popcorn
• Raw carrots

Symptoms

People who are choking may cough hard to try to get rid of whatever is stuck in the throat. Someone whose airway is completely blocked can’t speak, breathe, or cough at all. He or she may clutch at the throat.

Prevention

• Chew food thoroughly.
• Don’t eat too fast. 
• Avoid talking and laughing while eating.
• Don’t walk or run with food or objects in your mouth.
• Keep small toys and household items away from infants and children.

First Aid

Choking is life threatening and needs immediate action. If the person can speak, cough, or breathe, this means air is still passing through the airway.

• Let the person try to expel the object. Reassure the person, and advise him or her to breathe deeply and slowly. This will help relax the muscles surrounding the windpipe.
• If the person is unable to breathe or make sounds, have someone call 911. If you have been trained in how to use the Heimlich maneuver, you may use it.
• Watch for coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing that continues after a choking incident. These may be signs of a partial obstruction, which could move and totally block breathing again. If this occurs, seek immediate help.