See tips to protect your child from the dangers of choking

Young children, especially boys between the ages of 1 and 3, represent the group most affected by choking in Brazil , according to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP). The problem is among the main causes of pediatric emergency care in the country.

More than half of cases occur in children under 4 years old, and more than 94% of aspirations occur before the age of 7. In other words, it is very important to know how to avoid the problem or even what to do if it appears, in order to protect your child.

According to the specialist responsible for coordinating pediatrics at Hospital Vitória, part of Rede Américas, Maria da Glória Neiva, the most dangerous foods are those that are small, rounded or cylindrical in shape – such as whole grapes, seeds, chestnuts and peanuts.

“It is important to note that the respiratory tract of children is narrower, which makes it difficult for air to pass through. We must also remember that children aged two to three years do not have molars, as they are able to bite with their incisors, but do not have the ability to completely grind food,” he explains.

Another important thing to remember is that children at this age may put objects in their mouths as a way of learning about the world. So it's not just food that you need to worry about.

Below, the specialist highlights the first signs of choking and advises those responsible and carers on how to proceed in these cases, as well as how to prevent them:

Signs of choking and what to do “Although coughing may be one of the first signs of choking, there are situations where the airway blockage is silent.

Continue reading on the Alto Astral website, a partner of Metrópoles.