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 Approximately 2,900 infants and toddlers in the U.S. die each year by choking. Many other young children suffer permanent brain injury due to prolonged periods without oxygen when their airways are blocked. “Infants and toddlers tend to explore new objects orally, and therefore put most things into their mouths,” says otolaryngologist Gurpreet Ahuja, M.D., FAAP, of Children’s Ears, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Orange County (centoc.com). “Older kids may introduce foreign objects into their nose, ears or mouth because of boredom, curiosity or on a dare.” Young children can choke on: > Small toys and toy parts > Maintenance and hardware products such as nails, tacks and screws > Buttons, magnets and crafts items > Bathroom items: hairpins, small aspirin and medication caps and cotton balls Although parents needn’t be overly vigilant during mealtime, food that is only partially chewed and jostled with active movement is also a common culprit. “(Food) aspiration is more common in toddlers and preschool children for several reasons, the first being that youngsters lack molar teeth, thus impairing their ability to chew food,” Dr. Ahuja says. “This may force them to swallow larger chunks. Secondly, kids tend to be active and will often run, laugh or talk while holding food or other objects in their mouth. Thirdly, the coordination between swallowing and closure of the voice box – ‘glottic closure’ – is also relatively immature in this age group.” Although the initial ingestion of a foreign object or food blockage may go unnoticed – a disconcerting reality for all parents – choking symptoms, when noticeable, include: > Gagging or gasping for breath > Inability to speak > Forceful coughing > Hoarse, high-pitched or “whistling” exhalations > Skin turning blue In the most severe cases, the child will become unconscious; in less severe cases, the foreign object of food item settles into position, most commonly in the lower windpipe, and the child exhibits some of the symptoms noted above. What can parents do? If your child shows any of the above symptoms but is otherwise stable, call your doctor and consider going to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. Another option: Dial 9-1-1 and request a paramedic team. For more information, see the related sidebar that follows, Protect your child. Protect your child Avoid a choking emergency with these tips: > Children under age 4 should not be fed nuts, grapes, hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, raisins, candy and seeds. Always cut your child’s food into small pieces. > Make sure your child is seated while eating. Physical activity during mealtime can lead to choking. > Supervise infants and toddlers while they’re eating. > Keep your child from speaking or laughing when she has food in her mouth. > Do not allow other children to feed your little one. > Be keenly aware of small objects on the floor or within reach of a small child. Check in the crevices of sofas and chairs, under all furniture and in small nooks. Vacuum often. EVERY adult and older child should learn CPR. Visit the American Red Cross and American Heart Association websites. americanheart.org; redcross.org Source: Dr. Gurpreet Ahuja of the Children’s Ears, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Orange County Baby’s first Christmas Check out these special “My First Christmas” gifts and keepsakes from Babies ’R Us (babiesrus.com):  > Santa & Me Frame, by Koala – white ceramic frame, which fits 4-inch-by-6-inch pictures, is decorated with images of various holiday icons; $9.99 > Sesame Street Christmas Fleece Overall Set – includes a tee and overalls decorated with Elmo and holiday appliqués; $16.99 > Baby Imprint Ornament It’s made from a custom imprint of your baby’s foot or hand; $12.99 > Four-piece Christmas Layette Set and Silver Snowflake Layette Set – both sets include a romper, bib, burping cloth and soft Christmas toy; $19.99 > My First Holiday Gift Set It features a terry bib with holiday-themed embroidery and a matching picture frame. $11.99 Larry Urish is a contributor to OC Family magazine. |
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