Choking is when someone can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).

A choking person's airway may be completely or partially blocked, so that not enough oxygen reaches the lungs. A complete blockage is a medical emergency. A partial blockage can quickly become life threatening if the person cannot properly breathe in and out.

Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 - 6 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.

Occasionally an object will enter the lung. While the person may appear to improve and breathe normally, in a few days symptoms may develop, such as:

• Persistent cough
• Pneumonia
• Wheezing

• Eating too fast, failing to chew food well enough, or eating with improperly fitted dentures
• Drinking alcohol (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
• Being unconscious and breathing in vomited material
• Breathing in small objects (young children)
• Trauma to the head and face (swelling, blood, or a deformity can cause choking)