Hello, this is 'Child Guardian' parenting safety blog. Today, we'll explore one of the most feared emergency situations for parents - infant airway obstruction (choking). This dangerous situation can occur with just a moment of inattention. Let's learn how to prevent and respond to it together.
What is Infant Airway Obstruction?
Infant airway obstruction refers to a condition where food or small objects block the airway, making breathing difficult for infants (0-1 year). Infants are particularly vulnerable to airway obstruction because their airways are narrow and delicate, and their immune systems are not fully developed.
Risks
- Possible brain damage within 4-6 minutes due to oxygen deprivation
- Risk of death if not treated within 10 minutes
- One of the causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Recognizing Signs of Airway Obstruction
Since infants cannot speak, carefully observe the following signs:
Partial Airway Obstruction (Mild Condition)
- Able to cough or cry
- Rough or wheezing breath sounds
- Reddening of the face
- Appears anxious or fussy
Complete Airway Obstruction (Severe Condition)
- Unable to cough or make sounds
- Chest and abdomen move severely during breathing attempts
- Face, lips, and ears turn blue (cyanosis)
- Gradually loses consciousness
- Becomes weak or limp
Emergency Response for Infant Airway Obstruction
1. For Mild Airway Obstruction
"Let them cough if they can"
- If the baby can cough and breathe, let them cough naturally
- Do not attempt back blows or abdominal thrusts
- Stay with the baby and continuously monitor their condition
- If the condition worsens, immediately switch to severe airway obstruction treatment
2. For Severe Airway Obstruction
"Repeat 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts"
Back Blows
- Hold the baby face down on one arm
- Position the baby's head lower than the chest
- Support the head and neck with your hand
- With the heel of your other hand, deliver 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades
- Strikes should be firm but not too hard
Chest Thrusts
- Place the baby on their back, facing up
- Keep the head slightly lower
- Use two fingers (index and middle finger) to compress the center of the sternum, just below the nipple line, 5 times
- Each compression should be about 2.5-3cm deep
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions
3. Response Process
- Perform 5 back blows and check
- If the object does not come out, perform 5 chest thrusts
- If you can see the object, carefully remove it (do not attempt to remove if not visible)
- Repeat until the object comes out or the infant loses consciousness
- If consciousness is lost, immediately start CPR and call emergency services (119)
Prevention of Infant Airway Obstruction
Food-Related
- Only provide breast milk or formula to infants under 6 months
- Choose age-appropriate foods when starting solid foods
- Avoid or finely chop foods with high choking risk such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, nuts
- Always watch over the infant while they are eating
Environmental
- Keep small toys or parts (less than 3.5cm) away from infants
- Store small objects like coins, buttons, batteries out of reach
- Check age restrictions when purchasing toys
- Regularly inspect the floor to remove small objects
Sleep-Related
- Place infants on firm mattresses without pillows or cushions
- Ensure bedding does not cover the face
- Always place infants under 1 year on their backs to sleep (facing the heavens)
- Do not let infants sleep with stuffed animals or blankets
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: When should I call emergency services (119) if an infant shows signs of airway obstruction?
A: Call emergency services immediately in the following situations:
- When the object is not removed after emergency response
- When the baby loses or is about to lose consciousness
- When cyanosis (blue lips) appears
- When the baby cannot breathe at all or shows severe respiratory distress
If possible, ask someone else to make the call. If alone, perform emergency response for 1 minute, then call.
Q2: Can I use the Heimlich maneuver on infants?
A: No. Never use the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) on infants under 1 year. An infant's internal organs are very delicate and can be seriously damaged. Instead, alternate between back blows and chest thrusts.
Q3: If the baby can cry or make sounds, are they still choking?
A: If the baby can cry or make sounds, they do not have a complete airway obstruction. This indicates a partial airway obstruction, and in this case, it's best to let the baby cough up the object on their own. Excessive intervention may worsen the situation. However, carefully observe whether their condition deteriorates.
Q4: What if I accidentally hurt the baby during emergency response?
A: Minor bruises or discomfort during emergency response are minor issues compared to saving a life. Use appropriate force for treatment, but don't hesitate in a life-threatening situation. After emergency response, always consult a doctor to check for internal injuries.
Q5: Should I go to the hospital even after the obstructing object is removed?
A: Yes, even if the object is removed, you must visit the hospital for a check-up. There may be damage to the airway, parts of the object may remain, and complications such as pneumonia may develop.
Q6: How can I prevent an infant from choking while sleeping?
A: Follow these guidelines:
- Place the baby on their back on a firm mattress
- Do not use pillows, cushions, or thick blankets
- Keep toys and stuffed animals out of the bed/crib
- Consider using a baby monitor
- Ensure bedding does not cover the face
Q7: How does infant CPR differ from adult CPR?
A: The main differences are:
- Compression depth: For infants, 1/3 of chest depth (about 4cm); for adults, 5-6cm
- Compression method: Two fingers for infants; two hands for adults
- Compression ratio: 30:2 (single rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers) for infants; 30:2 for adults
- Airway opening: Tilt the head slightly for infants; tilt more for adults
Q8: What foods have high choking risks for infants starting solid foods?
A: The following foods pose high choking risks for infants:
- Whole grapes and cherry tomatoes
- Hot dogs, sausages (whole or round pieces)
- Nuts, popcorn
- Hard raw carrots, apples, and other hard fruits/vegetables
- Sticky foods like marshmallows, jelly candies, rice cakes
- Raisins, dried fruits
Avoid these foods for children under 1 year, or mash/cut them into very small pieces.
Q9: Can babies choke on wet foods (like cereals)?
A: Yes, soft foods like wet cereals or porridge can also cause choking. This is especially dangerous when babies eat too quickly without proper chewing, or when they eat while crying or laughing. Always supervise your baby's meals and help them control their eating pace.
Q10: Where can I learn infant emergency response techniques?
A: You can receive infant emergency response training from:
- Red Cross emergency response education
- Fire department safety education
- Local health center parenting classes
- Parenting education programs at obstetrics/pediatrics hospitals
- Online CPR certification courses (hands-on practice recommended)
Practicing with an actual mannequin is most effective, so try to participate in offline education if possible.
Q11: What is the relationship between infant airway obstruction and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
A: Both are related to infant respiratory issues but are different phenomena. Airway obstruction occurs when an external object blocks the airway, while SIDS is a sudden death during sleep with no clear cause. However, preventive measures such as creating a safe sleep environment and placing infants in the correct position help reduce both risks.
Q12: What should I do if the baby vomits during emergency response?
A: If vomiting occurs:
- Turn the baby to the side to allow the vomit to drain out
- Remove vomit from the mouth with fingers or gauze
- Continue emergency response if the airway obstruction persists
- Inform medical personnel about the vomiting
Conclusion
Infant airway obstruction is a situation feared by all parents and guardians, but lives can be saved with proper knowledge and preparation. Remember:
- Prevention is the best response
- Quickly identifying danger signs is crucial
- Learn emergency response techniques before an emergency occurs
- Maintaining calm is key to effective response
Child safety begins with small attentions and preparations. I hope what you've learned today will help protect precious lives in emergency situations.
This article was written for general information purposes and cannot replace professional medical advice. In case of emergency, always call emergency services (119) and seek professional help.