Choking can lead to serious injuries such as severe and permanent brain damage. It can also lead to a swift death if an individual is not able to breathe. Choking is a terrifying possibility that primarily affects infants and elders. Those that have a difficult time swallowing or chewing their food are often at a heightened risk of choking, though individuals of all ages are potential victims. According to the National Safety Council, choking and suffocation is the third leading cause of home and community death in America. Most of the time individuals choke on food.
Children, particularly teething infants, can also choke on toys which they may place in their mouth out of curiosity. Some common items that can lead to a choking accident for an infant are coins, nuts, marbles, or small toys like Lego pieces or Polly Pocket accessories. Children can also choke on small figurines, pebbles and rocks, deflated balloons, jewelry, or more. Choking has a wide range of consequences, from a simple coughing fit to a complete block in the airway which can lead to death. Choking can occur for people of all ages, but those under the age of three are at the highest risk to death by choking.
Choking is the third leading cause of unintentional injury or death for babies under the age of one. Babies that do not yet have all their teeth, or are not old enough to eat solid food commonly choke on tough foods like hot dogs, popcorn or hard candies. The National Safety Council writes that children can also choke on peanut butter, cheese cubes, raw vegetables, fruits with skins, whole grapes, or ice cubes. In some cases, children can choke on strings, crayons, or other small items that they may play with.
When babies are choking, they will often have difficulty breathing or will have a weak cry or weak cough. Sometimes, a child's skin will turn a bluish color, and the baby will be unable to make any sound at all. This is why parents must be extremely attentive, as choking can sometimes be a silent process. Also, if a baby is making soft and high-pitched sounds while inhaling, then this may be a sign of choking.
It is possible to prevent choking incidents in children. The key to this is constant supervision. Parents and caretakers need to keep small objects out of reach from children and have them sit while eating. Also, all foods should be cut into bite sized pieces and children should only be given small amounts of food at one time to prevent them from consuming too much at once.
Also, young children should never consume hard candies. If your child suffered a choking injury or died in a choking accident because of a negligent caretaker, daycare worker, or babysitter, then you may be able to seek compensation from the negligent party.
Choking is also a danger for elderly individuals. The National Safety Council reports that choking is the third leading cause of injury and death for men and women over the age of 76. Choking deaths peak at the age of 85. And they are the second leading cause of unintentional injury or death in adults that are aged 89 and older.
When adults chew too fast, drink alcohol, or have health complications like Parkinson's disease, it can increase the potential for choking accidents. Older adults with dentures can have an increased difficulty of swallowing. If your loved one choked on food because of excessive feeding, then you may be able to seek damages from the responsible party on your loved one's behalf. Contact a local personal injury lawyer if you have a case related to a choking accident and want more information.