Choking in the Pediatric Population

Choking is a preventable, but common cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, with children younger than 3 years at greatest risk. A number of factors place children at higher risk for choking, including narrower airways, immature dentition, underdeveloped chewing and swallowing ability, and high levels of activity and distractibility. Candy, meat, and bone are responsible for more than half of nonfatal food-related choking, while the hot dog is the most common food associated with choking fatalities. Coins, button batteries, small toys, and toy parts are the leading causes of nonfatal choking not due to food, while latex balloons are the leading cause of nonfood-related choking fatalities. Pediatric choking is an important public health concern that needs to be addressed during well-child visits and through increased public education. Parents and child caregivers should receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and choking rescue maneuvers. Increased efforts are also needed in the areas of public policy, choking surveillance, and food design and labeling.