Blockage of the throat or windpipe by an object.

Choking is a major cause of death for children under three, and is a hazard for older children as well. Young children explore the world with their mouths, and they will naturally put in their mouths anything that fits. If a small object slips back into the throat and blocks the windpipe, the child may become unable to breathe, and unless the child is helped to eject the object quickly, the child may asphyxiate and die. Food is also a choking hazard, especially for children under three who do not know how to chew food thoroughly. Parents should encourage children to chew, and warn them not to eat while running or playing, or to eat lying down.

Prevention

The common household is full of objects such as coins, tacks, paper clips, buttons, pins, beads, pen caps, bottle tops and...