Choking occurs when food or small objects block the airway. This prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs and the brain. When the brain goes without oxygen for more than four minutes, brain damage or even death may occur. Drinking alcohol before or during meals. Alcohol dulls the nerves that aid in swallowing.
Dentures make it difficult to sense whether food is fully chewed before it is swallowed.
Eating while talking excitedly or laughing. Eating too fast. Walking, playing, or running with food or objects in the mouth. These are just some of the causes of choking. If you want to learn more about the signals of choking or the care for a person who is choking, sign up for a CPR course .