Choking on food often occurs after drinking alcohol, which dulls feeling in the throat. Frequently, a choking victim clutches the throat with thumb and forefinger, a universal signal of distress.
Children choke more frequently than adults, usually on a toy or food fragment.
Infections such as croup or epiglottitis can produce extreme swelling that blocks the airway. If a child with a fever, a barking cough, or known infection develops an obstructed airway, do not waste time trying to open the obstructed airway-you probably will not be able to clear it. Before you do anything to assist a person you think is choking, ask the victim to talk. If talk is possible, the airway is not completely obstructed and it is best to leave the victim alone until he can dislodge the food or object himself by coughing, throat-clearing, or with his fingers. If the victim cannot talk, the airway is completely obstructed and you should assist in dislodging the obstruction.