Choking Spell (Adult)
Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in your throat or windpipe, blocking air flow. This may be caused by a piece of food or a large pill. A complete blockage of your throat or windpipe prevents air from going to your lungs. If this lasts long enough, the oxygen level in your blood goes down and causes you to lose consciousness. This tends to occur more often in older adults. This is because of decreased saliva production and other causes. But it can occur at any age.
Home care
To prevent a choking spell, do the following:
-
Cut food into small pieces.
-
Chew food slowly and completely, especially if you wear dentures.
-
Don't laugh or talk while chewing or swallowing.
-
Don't drink a lot of alcohol before and during meals.
-
If you have trouble swallowing large pills, it may be possible to crush them, or to get the liquid form if available. But some pills should not be crushed. Ask your pharmacist before crushing any of your medicines. You could also ask your health care provider to prescribe another type of medicine in a smaller size.
Prevention
If you have a blockage preventing air flow, you naturally want to grab your throat with both hands. That's the universal sign for choking. If someone appears to be choking and doesn't give this signal, look for these signs:
-
Can't speak
-
Trouble breathing or noisy breathing
-
Can't cough forcefully
-
Skin, lips, and nails turning blue or dusky
-
Loss of consciousness
If you see any of the above signs, call 911 right away and take first aid measures if you are trained to do them. If you or your family doesn't know how to give first aid for choking, call your local health department or community center for class information. Knowing this skill could be lifesaving.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider as advised. For more information, visit:
When to get medical advice
Call your health care provider right away if:
-
You have another brief choking spell.
-
You have a new cough that doesn't go away or occurs with thick sputum.
-
You have a fever of 100.4°F (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
Call 911
Call 911 if any of these occur:
-
Another choking spell that doesn't end right away
-
Loss of consciousness
-
Shortness of breath or noisy breathing
-
Skin, lips, and nails turning blue or dusky
-
Can't speak
-
Can't cough forcefully
Online Medical Reviewer:
Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ronald Karlin MD
Date Last Reviewed:
12/1/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.