Foreign object aspiration is a fairly common accident in young children, especially in the stage when children start weaning or like to put objects in their mouths. Many unfortunate cases occur just because adults are confused or handle things incorrectly in the first minutes.
According to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, if a child is choked with a foreign object causing airway obstruction, the first 60 seconds are important times to handle it promptly before the child falls into an oxygen-deprived state.
Recognizing signs of foreign object choking in children
When choking, children often have obvious symptoms such as choking, shortness of breath, red or purple face. Some children may not make a cry or cannot speak because their airways have been blocked.
If parents see that the child suddenly stops coughing, has difficulty breathing, or shows signs of panic, they need to immediately check and provide support.
First aid in the first 60 seconds
If the child is still able to cough, let the child continue to cough because this reflex helps push the foreign object out.
In case the child has difficulty breathing or cannot cough, parents can place the child face down on the arm, head lower than body, then use the palm to pat the child's back strongly and decisively about 5 times between the shoulders.
If the foreign object has not yet appeared, you can flip the child over and gently press on the chest area according to basic first aid instructions.
Experts from the American Red Cross recommend that the operations should be carried out quickly, decisively but with proper technique to avoid causing foreign objects to get deeper.
Things you absolutely should not do
A common mistake is trying to hook the foreign object with your hand when you can't see it clearly. This can push the foreign object deeper into the child's airway.
In addition, do not shake children or give them water when they are choking because it can make the obstruction worse.
Preventing foreign object choking in children
Experts recommend that parents cut food into small pieces, avoid giving children hard grains, hard candy or small objects. When children eat, adults should also observe to handle it promptly if problems occur.
Foreign object aspiration can occur very quickly, but if parents are calm and know how to handle it correctly in 60 golden seconds, the risk of dangerous complications for children will be significantly reduced.
