Loose, small objects and food found around the household increase risk. Older siblings feeding younger children is an important historical clue. Objects that tend to stay in the mouth for prolonged periods of time, such as gum, sunflower seeds or hard candy also increase risk. Eating while lying supine, especially just prior to falling asleep, increases risk of aspiration. Peanuts and vegetable matter are the most commonly aspirated objects in children.
Baby powder can be a particularly dangerous aspiration.
There may be a symptom-free period before suffocation occurs. Immediate lavage of bronchial system is required in severe cases. In adults, factors that increase risk are underlying primary neurological disorders, such as senile dementia, mental retardation, seizures, strokes and parkinsonism. Conditions that depress the central nervous system, cause coma or depress the gag reflex such as alcohol, narcotics, barbiturates or benzodiazepines can increase likelihood of aspiration. Meats, bones, medical and dental appliances are the most commonly aspirated objects in adults.