Choking happens when the airway is blocked, partly or completely.  In adults, choking is often the result of inadequately chewed food becoming lodged in the throat or windpipe.  Solid foods such as meat are frequently the cause.  Other things that can block the airway include, small objects that get stuck in the throat and airway, fluids that block the airway such as mucus, blood, vomit, or liquids.  Swallowing the wrong way, and, yes, snoring, when the tongue falls to the back of the throat and blocks the airway.

There are factors that increase your risk for choking.  They include talking while simultaneously chewing a piece of meat, drinking alcohol while eating, and wearing dentures.  Dentures exert less chewing pressure than natural teeth and interfere with the way food feels in the mouth.  They make it more difficult to thoroughly chew food. Young children tend to put almost anything into their mouths that fit, so choking can occur without a meal.

When the airway is completely blocked, the brain does not get oxygen.  Without oxygen, the brain begins to die in 4 to 6 minutes.  A few thousand Americans, many young children, die from choking each year.  Knowing what to do when you or someone else is choking can be life saving.

Panic accompanies choking.  The victim’s face often assumes an expression of fear or terror.  At first they may turn purple, the eyes may bulge, and he or she may wheeze or gasp.  If the person can cough freely, has normal skin color and can speak, they are not choking.  If the cough is more like a gasp and they are turning blue, he or she are probable choking.  If in doubt, ask the choking person “can you speak”, if they can, they are not choking.  But, if they cannot the windpipe is blocked.  The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat.  If you suspect someone is choking call 911 for your nearest ambulance service.  If you know the Heimlich maneuver, perform it. 

To assist in preventing choking teach your child to chew all foods thoroughly before swallowing.  Do the same yourself and eat slowly.  Go easy on alcoholic beverages before you eat.  Try not to laugh and eat at the same time, laughing draws food into the windpipe.  If you wear dentures, make sure they fit well.  Never run or play sports with food or objects in your mouth.  As for children, do not give children under 5 nuts of any kind, popcorn, fruit with pits, chewing gum, especially bubble gum, hard candy, throat lozenges, or cough drops.  Hot dogs, sausages, grapes, and caramels are common causes of choking in children, chop them first. 

If you do not know the Heimlich maneuver now is the time to learn, before you need it.  Check with your local EMS, Red Cross, or American Heart about a class, it can be included with first-aid training or CPR classes.