Title: Signs of choking
Course: Non-Communicable Diseases, Emergency Care and Mental Health Part 1 - Ethiopia (Full)

Signs of choking

You can distinguish between complete or partial obstruction of the airway by noting the following features:

In partial obstruction, the person may:

- have difficulty breathing, but may be able to call for help
- have a persistent cough (the body's attempt at removing the obstruction)
- produce snoring and/or wheezing sounds.

In complete obstruction, the person may:

- be unable to speak, breathe or cry out
- be gripping his/her throat
- be agitated and distressed
- have a blue/dark tinge on the lips due to low oxygen levels
- rapidly lose consciousness.