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Signs of choking (complete airway obstruction)

A person who is choking (has complete airway obstruction):

  • Can't cry, talk, breathe, or cough.
  • May grasp throat.
  • May become severely anxious or agitated.
  • May turn blue or dusky in color.
  • May pass out.

A choking rescue procedure (the Heimlich maneuver) is used to clear an obstruction in adults and children over 1 year of age. Back blows and abdominal thrusts are used in babies under 1 year of age.

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Last Updated October 5, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 05, 2007
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