Child Choking And Strangulation

Airway obstruction — choking, suffocation or strangulation — is the leading cause of accidental death in Kansas children ages 14 and under. Every year, in the United States, more than 700 children die from accidental suffocation or strangulation, and nearly 170 die from foreign-body airway obstruction — choking on food, toy parts or other small objects. In addition, each year an estimated 900 suspected Sudden Infant Death Syndrome cases are actually cases of suffocation by soft bedding.

“Small children have small airways,” says Jan Stegelman, Safe Kids Kansas coordinator. “It doesn’t take much to choke them, and young kids are always putting small objects in their mouths.” Since most choking incidents in children involve food, parents and caregivers should avoid giving small, round foods such as hot dogs, candies, nuts, grapes, carrots and popcorn to children under age 3. Other common choking hazards include coins, small balls and balloons.

“Literally get down on your hands and knees and crawl around. You’ll be surprised at how much your child can reach and pick up,” says Stegelman. “If an object can fit through a standard 1½-inch toilet paper tube or a store-bought small parts tester, don’t let your child play with it.”