Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Choking


Overview

Choking is an inability to breathe. This occurs when an object or food becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking airflow.

Treatments

The object may be dislodged from someone else by alternating between 5 back blows between the shoulder blades and 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). A call to emergency assistance is important.