But if the child is drooling or having difficulty swallowing, the esophagus may be blocked. You need to be prepared to help your child if he or she isn't able to cough or breathe. To learn how, contact The Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance for more information about their classes on what to do in an emergency. If your child needs medical help the doctor may remove the object from the airway with forceps and a special instrument called a bronchoscope. If the swallowed objects are sharp, like glass and safety pins, they may cause damage to the child's tissues and must be removed under anaesthetic.
Parents can help to prevent children from choking on foreign objects.
This will make it easier for your children to chew and swallow the food. Cut round and slippery foods such as grapes, cherries and olives in half and remove any pits and seeds. Cut hot dogs lengthwise and crosswise so that each piece has many flat sides. Make sure they are seated and do not leave them alone. Do not have peanuts in the house.