How to Diagnose Choking or Blocking of the Airway

Choking, or blocking of the airway, is an emergency condition in which the victim cannot breathe at all. While partial choking may cause coughing or wheezing, this kind of obstruction will generally work itself out. Sometimes victims of partial blocking have the sensation of food or liquid "going down the wrong pipe," namely the trachea. But when food or another solid object is completely blocking the airway, it pays to diagnose it quickly and act fast. Read on to learn how to diagnose choking or the blocking of the airway.

Instructions

• 1

  Make direct eye contact with the victim if you suspect she is choking. If you are at a distance, immediately run to where the victim can plainly see and hear you, and you her.

• 2

  Ask the victim, "Are you choking?" Be loud and clear. If the victim is losing oxygen to the brain, his hearing may become impaired or overcome by a ringing sound, and he may have trouble focusing. This is why it is so important that he can see you, so that he can better make out what you are saying.

• 3

  Listen closely for a response from the victim. If she is able to answer verbally, her airway is not completely blocked, and you can relax. The obstruction should work its way out.

• 4

  Watch for the universal sign for choking, which is a hand raised to the throat.

• 5

  Listen for any sounds coming from the victim. Even if he does not respond in words, he may be coughing and wheezing. Again, in this case, you can be assured that he is not completely choking; some air is getting through and you cannot help at this point. It should work itself out.

• 6

  Inform the victim of what is happening, whether you diagnose that he is choking or not. Try to keep him as relaxed as possible, and assure him that he will be alright.

• 7

  Listen and watch for further signs that the victim is, in fact, choking. Even if she was able to make sounds earlier, the food or object could have become jostled, blocking the airway completely. Silence is a warning that the airway is totally blocked and immediate action is called for.