Time is running out.
During a meal, a sudden burst of laughter or a deep breath is enough to cause choking and prevent breathing. A piece of food has been deflected from its trajectory and is now obstructing the airways. All types of food can obstruct the trachea: liquid or solid foods, large pieces (meat for example) and even small foods (peanuts, pistachios, candy, grapes, etc.). When this happens, you must act very quickly because life is in danger.
There are two types of respiratory obstruction: partial and total. Partial obstruction means that a small amount of air is still allowed to breathe, but very little. “If you can talk and cough, it means that the obstruction is not complete and air is still passing through.” explains Dr. Tonia L. Farmer, an ENT surgeon in Ohio (United States). In a video on her TikTok account, she teaches Internet users what to do when you are choking and alone. First, the doctor recommends calling for help (15 or 18 in France), even if you are unable to speak. “Put the phone down and keep the line open, the operator will know you need help and will send help to you.” Afterwards, “try coughing as hard as you can and see if you can get the food out.” If the piece of food is still stuck, the obstruction is quite serious.
@drnosebest Tragic story that just came out about Venezuelan cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos. She choked on food and was found in her apartment after her co-workers became worried when she didn’t show up to work. Between 4,000-5,000 people from shocking per year. If you’re alone and start chocking, it can be very scary. Knowing what to do will help you act quickly. In the video, I show you the steps to take to save your life. These are the steps: 1. Call 912 2. Cough very hard 3. Do the Heimlich Maneuver 4. Seek medical attention immediately Let me know in the comments if this info was helpful #drnosebest #heimlich #earnosethroat original sound – Dr. Nose Best
“If you can’t cough at all, if there’s no airflow, you’re going to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself just like you would on someone else.”warns Dr. Farmer. This maneuver is a first aid procedure that involves performing chest compressions. There are two ways to perform a Heimlich maneuver on yourself. The first is to push your stomach against the back of a chair, counter, or any other piece of furniture that reaches the level of your abdomen. You need to push forward as many times as possible to try to expel the food. If that doesn’t work, make a fist and push it into the pit of your stomach, under your rib cage, and work your way up until the food comes loose.
Once the piece of food is dislodged from the trachea, it is imperative to call for help because “There could be damage or injury to your throat, or even to your internal organs and abdomen, depending on how hard you pushed.”