Experts warn about the increase in choking incidents during Christmas and how to act

Choking is one of the most common emergencies in our environment, and its incidence significantly increases during the holiday season. Hearty meals, conversations at the table, the consumption of typical holiday foods such as grapes, nuts, shortbread, or candies, and the presence of small children handling toys or objects increase the risk of accidental airway obstruction.

Knowing how to act correctly in the event of choking can make the difference between a scare and a life-threatening emergency. As explained by Dr. Luis Ayala, deputy medical director and specialist at the Emergency Service of Quirónsalud Hospital Málaga, "the patient's survival depends on a quick and appropriate response, as a complete airway obstruction can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest within minutes."

Identifying the Situation

The clearest sign of severe choking is the international choking signal, which involves clasping the hands to the neck when unable to speak, cough, or breathe normally.

If the person has an effective cough, they should be encouraged to continue coughing, as this is the safest mechanism to expel the foreign body. However, when coughing is not possible and the obstruction is complete, action must be taken immediately.

If the person has an effective cough, they should be encouraged to continue coughing, as it is the safest mechanism to expel the foreign body.

In these cases, the person should be positioned slightly leaning forward and given five back blows between the shoulder blades. If the object is not expelled, perform five abdominal compressions (Heimlich maneuver), alternating both techniques until the choking is resolved or until medical help arrives. As Dr. Ayala further explains, "we would stand behind them, wrap our arms around their abdomen with our fist placed at the mouth of the stomach, and perform five inward and slightly upward diagonal abdominal compressions. We would then check again if the foreign body has been expelled or not. If expulsion is negative, we will alternate the five back blows with the five abdominal compressions until it is resolved."

If the obstruction is not resolved and the person loses consciousness, it will be necessary to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers and immediately activate emergency services.

Attention to Children

In children, the procedure has slight variations, adapting the method, strength, and height to perform the maneuvers safely and effectively. According to Dr. Manuel Baca, head of the Pediatrics Service at Quirónsalud Hospital Málaga, choking in pediatric age "requires a differentiated approach depending on the child's age, as the maneuvers are not the same in all cases and incorrect action can be as dangerous as the lack of intervention."

In infants under one year old, the Heimlich maneuver should not be performed, as it can cause serious internal injuries. "In these babies, the appropriate technique consists of alternating five back blows, with the infant placed face down, and five chest compressions in the center of the chest, always with the child supported and with the head slightly lower than the torso," explains Dr. Baca.

In children over one year old, the procedure is similar to that of an adult, combining back blows and abdominal compressions, but always adapting the force and positioning at the child's height. "It's not about applying more force, but the right amount, and doing it safely," the specialist points out.

If after the maneuvers the foreign body is not expelled and the child loses consciousness, it is also essential to immediately activate emergency services and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers until medical help arrives.

Prevention

Health professionals insist that prevention is crucial to reducing the risk of choking, especially during holiday celebrations.

Among the main recommendations are the following: avoid high-risk foods in small children and elderly people, such as whole nuts, uncut grapes, hard candies, large pieces of meat, uncut sausages, or sticky foods; cut food into small pieces and chew slowly, avoiding talking or laughing with a full mouth; sit properly to eat, without rushing or distractions; in the case of children, do not let them eat dangerous foods alone and ensure they do not put small toy parts or other objects in their mouths.

In older people, especially those with swallowing problems or dental prostheses, it is necessary to adapt the texture of the food and pay attention during meals.

"A few small gestures of prevention and knowing how to act in the event of choking can save lives," concludes Dr. Ayala, who reminds us of the importance of first aid training, especially during times of the year when these types of emergencies increase."