Usually, children are more likely for an airway obstruction by foreign objects than adults. They may stick toys or small objects in their noses or mouths and won’t chew food well before swallowing. Other risk factors may include:
Birth defects or inherited diseases that can cause airway problems
Allergies to insect stings or certain foods such as peanuts
Smoking
Neuromuscular disorders and other conditions that make it tough for people to swallow food properly