What To Do When Choking On Food—Doctor Shares Tips For Assisting Yourself And Others

Choking is a serious emergency that can happen to anyone, often without warning. It's hazardous because it can cut off airflow, leading to a life-threatening situation if not addressed quickly.

In the United States alone, choking was responsible for about 5,500 deaths in 2022, with the elderly and young children being particularly vulnerable.

Recently, the world was saddened by the loss of Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a Venezuelan five-time Olympic cyclist who died at the age of 51 after choking on food in her Las Vegas home.

This tragic event highlights the urgent need for everyone to understand what to do if they find themselves choking, especially if they are alone.

In the event of choking, immediate action is crucial. The first step is to try coughing as hard as possible. Coughing can help dislodge the obstruction if it is not entirely blocking the airway.

If coughing does not resolve the issue, the next step is to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. This technique can help expel the food or object causing the blockage.

A prominent ear, nose, and throat specialist, Dr. Tonia L. Farmer, also known as Dr. Nose Best, has shared essential tips on handling choking if you are alone.

According to her advice, calling 911 should be your first move. Even if you cannot speak, keeping the line open will alert emergency services that you need help. The operator can send assistance based on the situation.

If you can cough, do so with as much force as possible. This indicates that some air is still moving and may help to expel the obstruction. If coughing does not work and you cannot breathe or speak, perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself.

You can do this by pressing your abdomen against a hard surface, such as the edge of a chair or a countertop. Ensure that the surface is smooth to avoid injury.

Another method is to use your hands to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Make a fist and place it just above your navel, then grasp it with your other hand and push inward and upward. This action creates enough pressure to force the obstruction out of your airway.

Even if you clear the obstruction, seeking medical attention is still important. The maneuver could damage your throat or internal organs, so it is essential to get checked by a healthcare professional. Calling 911 again or contacting a family member or friend to take you to the hospital can provide additional support.

Understanding these steps can significantly increase your chances of survival in a choking emergency. Awareness and preparedness can make all the difference in preventing a tragedy.

Five-time Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos was found dead a few days after she missed her shift at a hotel in Las Vegas.

Getty Images

Dr. Tonia L. Farmer shows a method for using a countertop to help when choking on food by pressing your abdomen against it.

The Mayo Clinic also advises similar techniques for dealing with choking. Bending over a hard surface or using the Heimlich maneuver can be effective.

Tiktok

If a countertop or chair isn't working, try forming a fist and pressing it into your abdomen to shift the food.

Tiktok

Understanding Choking Risks

Dr. Michael Klaper, a renowned physician and nutrition expert, emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding food textures, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children. According to his insights, foods that are round, hard, or sticky pose a higher choking risk.

He recommends cutting food into smaller pieces and encouraging mindful eating practices. This can significantly decrease choking incidents. His website, doctorklaper.com, provides additional resources for safe eating habits and nutrition strategies that can help mitigate these risks.

In emergencies, reaction time is crucial. Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritionist and author, explains that understanding the Heimlich maneuver is essential for everyone. This life-saving technique can be performed on oneself or another person and involves abdominal thrusts to expel the lodged object.

Dr. Campbell notes that educational workshops can empower individuals to act confidently during a choking incident. He suggests that knowledge of first aid can transform bystanders into lifesavers. For further information, his website is nutritionstudies.org, where resources on health and safety are available.

Being prepared is essential. Understanding how to deal with choking improves your safety and allows you to help others in urgent situations. Even if you manage to clear the blockage, you must call 911 and get medical help, as there might be underlying injuries that require professional attention. Staying informed and taking action in emergencies can make a significant impact.

Choking remains a significant public health concern, but awareness and education can greatly reduce its risks. Experts like Dr. Klaper and Dr. Campbell stress the importance of understanding both prevention and response strategies. By familiarizing ourselves with techniques like the Heimlich maneuver and advocating for safer eating practices, we can save lives.

Moreover, engaging in community workshops can foster a culture of preparedness, ensuring that more people are equipped to handle choking emergencies effectively. In doing so, we can honor the memory of those lost by preventing future tragedies.