First aid treatment of choking its causes and diagnose-Choking

Choking

It is obstruction of the pharynx by a foreign body. Foreign bodies found in the throat are usually fish bones, some pieces of food, artificial teeth, or coins. Usually they are accidentally swallowed. A child may swallow things during play. A fish bone does not cause respiratory obstruction, but other bigger foreign bodies can choke a person. Unless treated promptly, the victim can die of asphyxia.

The condition is diagnosed by the following features.

1. There is history of swallowing something and then choking on it.
2. The victim starts coughing violently.
3. His face becomes blue.
4. He cannot breathe or speak.

First Aid

1. Bend the victim down and pat sharply between his shoulder blades up to five times. If the foreign body does not get expelled, place him on the ground face up. Sit astride him and with both hands placed on his upper abdomen, elbows straight, push sharply   This pushes the diaphragm upwards and may cause expulsion of the foreign body.
2. If the respiration stops, give artificial respiration.
3. Shift him to a hospital immediately.
4. Shift him to a hospital immediately.
5. In case of a child, place it over your knee, head down. Slap it sharply between the shoulder blades up to five times, using less force than in an adult. If it fails, resuscitate the child.
6. In case of an infant, place it along you forearm and slap between its shoulder blades up to five times, using less force than in a child if it fails, resuscitate the child.