The most common cause of accidental death at home for young children is inhaling small objects in the trachea or lungs. Airway obstruction due to this occurs in all age groups, but is especially common in small children due to activity and lack of caution.
If food or a foreign object goes down the wrong way, that is, into the trachea (windpipe) instead of the esophagus (food pipe), one of three situations will occur:
The first possibility is that the child will cough and gag. This usually appears very serious and is a source of alarm to the parents. If your child begins to cough in this manner, have the child lean over and encourage coughing.
The child’s body is naturally trying to expel the loose object. As long as the child can speak, cough, or breathe, do not strike on the back or dangle small children by their feet. You must, of course, remain ready to help should the child’s condition eventually become worse, which would lead us to the next possibility.
The second possibility is complete airway obstruction, which occurs when the food or foreign objects are sufficiently large enough or have gone down in such a way as to completely stop the flow of air. The victim often clutches at his or her throat with his or her hands.
If this occurs, send someone for medical help, and immediately give the person three sharp blows to the back between the shoulder blades. If this does not work, then try the rescue technique call the Heimlich maneuver as follows:
(1) Wrap your arms around the victim’s waist from behind.
(2) Make a fist with one hand and place it thumb-side against the abdomen between the navel and rib cage.
(3) Clamp the fist with your free hand and pull in with the quick upward thrust. Repeat several times if necessary.
The third possibility is that a child may inhale a foreign object into the lungs. The child may cough or complain of pain or discomfort in the chest. This may indicate that an object is lodged in the lungs. It may be a matter of noticing something in a child’s mouth, which suddenly disappears, followed by coughing.
Although the child is not in immediate danger, the aspirated objects must be removed. Take the child to a doctor or nearest hospital for surgery may be required to prevent lung damage. Remember to quietly transfer the child suspected of aspirating a foreign object to a physician.
Of course, it is far better to prevent this type of emergency than to treat it. Children will put everything they find into their mouths and noses. It is important to keep hard candy, coins, buttons, pins, or the like out of the reach of the toddlers and young children.
Children should be taught to talk only when their mouth is empty. Any child who is eating should be encouraged to sit still. Activity and eating do not mix well at any age. If we prepare food for our youngsters, it is a good idea to cut solid food into bite-sized pieces.
Otherwise, the child may unsuccessfully attempt to swallow a chunk of food that is much too large. Special concerns should be given to play areas where items such as crayons and jacks may be spread around the room.
Holiday candies and treats present special problems. Children tend to consume more candy during holidays and special occasions than at any other time of the year.