Choking is a condition caused by inhalation of a foreign object
that partially or fully blocks the airway. Choking is a major
cause of respiratory emergencies and cardiac arrest in infants
and children. Choking occurs when a foreign object, such as
food, buttons, coins, or toy parts, are inhaled and partially or
completely block the airway, preventing adequate breathing. In
many cases of choking, particularly in adults, the individual
actively coughs and is able to expel the foreign object with no
assistance or medical attention. However, children and infants
are at increased risk of choking and foreign body airway
obstruction due to immature airway and dental anatomy,
distraction and play during eating, and a natural tendency to
put objects into their mouths. A 1995 study of the
characteristics of objects known to commonly cause choking
deaths in children found that round objects are most dangerous.
For example, a small ball or marble can completely seal a
child's or infant's trachea (windpipe). Round or cyl