All of us are now very much aware of exorbitant cost involved in treating children with SMA. However, there are many ways we can prevent a child being born with SMA. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that those at risk of having baby with SMA understand such preventive measures.
Author
Dr Rajesh Phatak MD
He is currently working as Pediatric Intensive Care Consultant at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi UAE. He has had post-graduation in Mumbai, India and further training in the UK. He was a Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care at Manchester Children Hospital, UK before he moved to UAE.
What is Choking?
Choking is when something becomes stuck in a person’s breathing pipe, making it difficult or impossible for them to breathe. If the airway is partly blocked, the body tries to clear the airway by coughing. If the airway is completely blocked, the stuck item must be removed or the child will not be able to breathe and could die. Hence, it becomes pertinent to remove any obstruction as soon as is feasible. Prevention is even better.
How common is it?
Around the world, every day 3 children choke to death.
Which age groups is it most common in?
Choking can occur in all age groups including adults. Children who are just starting to explore feeding themselves and are constantly putting things in their mouths (between 7-12 months) are at particular risk.
What are common causes of choking in children?
Objects: Coins, plastic toy parts, buttons, earrings, small magnets, metal hardware, and party balloons are common choking hazards.
Button batteries: They can be particularly dangerous as they can cause tissue damage within hours in addition to the blockage. Urgent medical attention is recommended for removal.
Foods: Round and rubbery foods such as grapes can completely block a child’s airway. Peanuts, other nuts, raw carrots, apples, celery, popcorn, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds, dried peas, fish bones, and dried fruits like raisins are also common choking hazards.
How can we make playing safer for children?
Teach the child not to put small objects between their lips or in their mouths. Check the child’s play area often for choking hazards and quickly remove them.
Be extra watchful at parties and holidays, when balloons or small toys may be around.
How can we make eating safer for young children and toddlers?
Always supervise young babies and children when they are eating.
Offer food in small amounts to prevent children from putting too much food in their mouths.
Do not give hard, crunchy foods to a child until they are at least 4 years old.
Make sure the child is awake and alert before offering them food.
Have children sit up while eating and drinking.
If a child is laughing or crying, settle them before offering them food.
When should Parents and Health care Professionals consider choking in their child?
Recognition is very important. Someone who is choking may be clutching at their chest or neck and won’t be able to speak, breathe or cough. In many young infants, there may not be a specific history. Watch out for coughing spells or episodes immediately after or during eating. If the child is able to cry and has a loud voice, it is unlikely that they have a foreign body obstructing their airway (breathing pipe).
What you can do when you suspect choking in your child? For a child under 1 year
Recognition is very important. Someone who is choking may be clutching at their chest or neck and won’t be able to speak, breathe or cough. In many young infants, there may not be a specific history. Watch out for coughing spells or episodes immediately after or during eating.
Is it a good idea to give a choking child a glass of water or something to eat?
No, it’s not a good idea as it will not dislodge the blockage and could make the situation worse by causing a further blockage or aspiration into the wind pipe.
Can I do abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on a baby?
No, please don’t squeeze a baby’s tummy. Abdominal thrusts are recommended to help choking children > 1 year and adults only.
