Ways to Prevent Choking

Choking is the result of a blockage in the airway caused by food or other objects. The brain is extremely sensitive to lack of oxygen and will begin to die within four to six minutes. It is vital to learn how to prevent choking in both children and adults.

Chew Your Food

• Countless mothers have told their children to chew their food. Regardless of their advice, most children and adults do not have good chewing habits. Chewing breaks down large pieces of food and coats the food with saliva, making it easier to pass through the esophagus. A general rule of thumb for chewing is as follows: if you can tell what type of food you're eating from the texture, you have not chewed enough.

Take Smaller Bites

• This goes hand in hand with chewing. Adults often act as though eating is a race, taking enormous bites of food, chewing a few times and coughing it down. This is the perfect way to choke on food. Adults should take time to take smaller bites and chew thoroughly. Parents should cut up their children's food into small pieces, particularly harder items like meat, potatoes, nuts and candy.

Non-Food Items

• Adults should avoid putting non-food items like nails, safety pins or pen caps in their mouth for quick access. Parents should always keep an eye on items that may cause choking in children. Small items such as buttons, batteries and deflated rubber balloons should be stored out of a child's reach. Check children's toys for pieces that could or are about to fall off such as stuffed animal eyes.

Alcohol

• Alcohol can impair someone's ability to correctly chew and swallow. If the drinker has had too much, it may be best to avoid "chew-intensive" foods. Likewise, foods that cause excitement in children such as candy or desserts may not be properly chewed in the rush to get them down. Monitor your child's eating habits during these times.