{"id":46232,"date":"2025-04-04T09:50:22","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T01:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?post_type=health-article&#038;p=46232"},"modified":"2025-07-30T18:03:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T10:03:18","slug":"help-my-child-is-choking-2","status":"publish","type":"health-article","link":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/help-my-child-is-choking\/","title":{"rendered":"Help My Child is Choking"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"46232\" class=\"elementor elementor-46232\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b74a604 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b74a604\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a761964 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a761964\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s every parent\u2019s worst nightmare: one moment, their child is happily enjoying a snack and the next, they\u2019re gasping for air. For children, choking hazards can range from food to everyday objects like toys and button batteries. Choking incidents can happen in an instant so it\u2019s important to know what to do if a child suddenly starts choking.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2ff4f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a2ff4f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eeaaabd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eeaaabd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic01\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">In a choking incident, where can the foreign object be located, and does its size determine the location?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55a73e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"55a73e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Accidental ingestion or inhalation of foreign objects may get stuck at the back of the throat (pharynx), airway (larynx, trachea or lungs) or oesophagus. In adults, the common culprits are fish bones, followed by chicken bones and sometimes undigested meat. We see these cases more frequently around festive seasons when people consume a lot of food. For kids, it\u2019s usually coins, round button batteries, toys and even food like peanuts and grapes. Bigger objects tend to get stuck in the upper airway and smaller one travels to the upper digestive system or the lungs. I once removed a tiny toy aeroplane that got stuck in a one-year-old\u2019s airway. He was choking and wheezing but I managed to remove it immediately. That was a close call!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7fd3eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"e7fd3eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-631a53a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"631a53a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic02\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How do you remove a foreign object from different parts of the airway?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-791685f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"791685f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Generally, if the doctor can see it from the mouth or using a scope, we can try to remove it in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/specialties\/emergency-medicine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">emergency department<\/a> or a clinic setting.\u00a0 If the foreign body has already travelled down to the upper oesophagus or the trachea\/bronchus, a procedure is needed in the operating theatre. We will use specialised instruments like a laryngoscope, bronchoscope and oesophagoscope with a camera that is introduced from the mouth, so no cutting is necessary.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97bd7b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"97bd7b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eac5c80 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"eac5c80\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expand-this-background.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-46235\" alt=\"A mother checking the boy&#039;s mouth for signs of choking, especially for food or objects blocking the airway\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expand-this-background.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expand-this-background-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expand-this-background-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expand-this-background-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expand-this-background-1536x768.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f71b00 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7f71b00\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4984a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d4984a8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic03\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What are the damages that can occur to the airways of a choking incident survivor?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba72722 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ba72722\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most of the time, once the object is removed, there will be none to minimal side effects. But complicated cases may cause swelling of the airway, scarring or even collapsed lungs. The most notorious objects responsible for choking incidents are button batteries. It can erode the airway and cause massive bleeding and swelling. Other objects like peanuts, tend to break into smaller pieces and get dislodged lower down into the lungs, making removal more difficult with higher complications.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78c9da2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"78c9da2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0beb699 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0beb699\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic04\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How does choking usually happen among children?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3dad94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d3dad94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cChildren are generally very curious. Especially if the objects are shiny and bright in colour. They will want to try and insert the objects in their mouth while playing. Common objects are often small, hard, or round objects, like coins, marbles, button batteries, small toys, as well as foods that are too big or difficult to chew, like whole grapes and peanuts or popcorns.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cChoking occurs when food or an object blocks the airway, thus young children will not be able to breath properly. At mealtimes, children tend to play, talk or laugh while there\u2019s still food in their mouth. They get distracted, and then tend to swallow the food quickly without properly chewing. Food may go down the wrong path into the windpipe and cause choking.<\/p><p>\u201cYounger children and toddlers often have less control over their swallowing muscles and may not be able to clear their airways effectively. Their windpipes are smaller, so the risk of a blockage is higher. As they get older and develop more coordination, the risk of choking typically decreases.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8111c70 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8111c70\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ee51c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5ee51c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic05\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">If a child has something stuck in their throat, what is the safest way to help?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4c82a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"d4c82a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke22-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-46234\" alt=\"A mother performing the Heimlich manoeuvre on a choking child, one of the first aid methods used for young children\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke22-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke22-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke22-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke22-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke22-1-1536x768.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d78614 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2d78614\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c9215c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1c9215c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When a child is choking, it\u2019s important to act quickly to clear their airway. Common methods that can be used are back blows, chest thrusts and the Heimlich manoeuvre (also known as abdominal thrusts). Which method you use depends on the child\u2019s age.<\/p><p>The goal is to use firm, but controlled force to expel air out of the lungs, creating pressure to dislodge the object. For parents who are worried that the Heimlich manoeuvre can hurt the child; when it is done with proper method and positioning, it should not cause any injuries.<\/p><p>During an emergency, the discomfort caused by back blows far outweighs the importance of saving a child who is gasping for air. It\u2019s a small price to pay to get the child breathing again. If one is unsure about the technique, it\u2019s always helpful to get certified in infant or child first aid and CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths), as it can provide valuable skills and confidence in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/first-aid-tips-for-when-your-kid-has-an-accident-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">emergency.<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a101c32 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a101c32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43143ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"43143ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic06\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How different are rescue methods when it comes to children of different ages?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75cae32 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75cae32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Rescue methods differ with age. For infants (under one year old); perform BACK BLOWS. Hold the infant face down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck. Give up to five back blows between the infant\u2019s shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If back blows don\u2019t work, perform CHEST THRUST. Turn the baby over to face up and perform chest compressions (two to three fingers on the chest, just below the nipple line, pushing down about 1.5 inches deep).<\/p><p>\u201cFor toddlers or young children (more than one year old); you can use a combination of BACK BLOWS and HEIMLICH (ABDOMINAL THRUST). For back blows, bend them forward at the waist (supporting their chest and neck) and strike firmly between the shoulder blades. For Heimlich, stand behind the child, place a fist just above their navel cover it with your other hand, and perform inward and upward thrusts (quick, forceful pushes), aiming to create enough pressure to expel the object.<\/p><p>\u201cIf the child becomes unconscious, start CPR and check the mouth for any visible object each time you perform chest compressions. Continue CPR until help arrives or the child starts to breathe on their own.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f50aaf elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4f50aaf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4264a2f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4264a2f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic07\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What are the things you should NOT do when a child is choking?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9f1e3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f9f1e3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Don\u2019t stick your fingers into the throat to pull the object out. This could push it further down, making the blockage worse and more difficult to remove. Most importantly, NEVER try to poke, cut and insert a straw into a child\u2019s throat to get the child to breathe, as you see in the movies. In real life, it is very dangerous. That can risk bleeding, and injury to the airway and esophagus and even the major vessels of the neck. Also, don\u2019t try to give them water or food as it may push the object further into the airway, worsening the situation. Only give them food or water once the choking is fully resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eae200a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"eae200a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7e5a5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f7e5a5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic08\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What does a child in severe choking distress look like?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b11db95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b11db95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke3-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-46233\" alt=\"One of the signs of severe choking distress are unable to breathe, panicking and grabbing their throat\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke3-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke3-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke3-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke3-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/choke3-1-1536x768.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddd2a53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ddd2a53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd99794 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cd99794\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A child in severe distress due to choking will be:<\/p><ul><li>Unable to breathe, make a sound cry or speak.<\/li><li>They will keep on coughing or gagging in an attempt to clear the airway. The cough may sound raspy and strangled<\/li><li>They show signs of panic; wide eyes, frantic movements, grabbing at their throat (universal sign of choking)<\/li><li>In severe cases, there may be a wheezing sound, breathing becomes laboured as the child struggles to breathe.<\/li><li>As the oxygen in their body continues to drop, their skin will become bluish (cyanosis), especially over the lips, and fingers.<\/li><li>And in extreme cases, when the obstruction is not relieved quickly, they may become unconscious and unresponsive.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e18ea5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3e18ea5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0b9ae8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b0b9ae8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic09\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">If the child survives, what possible aftereffects might they face?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e3e658 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e3e658\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If a child survives a choking incident, aftereffects can occur depending on the severity, duration of choking and any complications following the events. Most children recover fully, but serious choking episodes can lead to brain damage, respiratory complications that include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/%25e2%2580%2598tis-season%25e2%2580%25a6-spread-respiratory-diseases\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lung infection<\/a>, and damage to the airway or oesophagus like swelling and scarring, making it difficult for the child to breathe normally or swallow. Due to the traumatic experience, the child may have long-lasting emotional consequences leading to anxiety or phobias.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56400f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"56400f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42dec4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42dec4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">This article first appeared in<\/span><\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/parenthood.my\/parenting\/help-my-child-is-choking-what-do-i-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">parenthood on April 4, 2025.<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>it\u2019s every parent\u2019s worst nightmare: one moment, their child is happily enjoying a snack and the next, they\u2019re gasping for air. For children, choking hazards can range from food to everyday objects like toys and button batteries. Choking incidents can happen in an instant so it\u2019s important to know what to do if a child suddenly starts choking.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":46236,"template":"","topic":[153],"language":[137],"class_list":["post-46232","health-article","type-health-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-nose-throat","language-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Help My Child is Choking - Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Know what to do if your child is choking. Dr. Nur Adillah Binti Lamry from Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau shares signs, first aid steps, and when to seek help.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/help-my-child-is-choking\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Help My Child is Choking - Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Know what to do if your child is choking. 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