What is choking? Causes of choking, Important Steps, Heimlich Maneuver.

Rigomo Team

Sun, 05 Oct 2025

Children typically choke from inserting objects in their mouths. They usually try this out of curiosity. However, they'll start choking immediately after ingestion, too quickly 

Common objects that youngsters choke on are:

Popcorn

Candy

Pencil erasers

Carrots

Hot dogs

Chewing gum

Peanuts

Cherry tomatoes

Whole grapes

A large piece of fruit

A large piece of vegetables

Adults typically choke while swallowing food if it's not chewed properly or you are eating in a hurry or while laughing/talking. 

What to do if somebody is choking?

Use the Red Cross’ “five-and-five” methodology to treat someone who’s choking: Hit the person’s back with the heel of your hand 5 times between the shoulder blades. Next, perform the Heimlich maneuver 5 times. Alternate between the 2 till the person is no longer choking.

Don’t perform the five-and-five methodology on a toddler. You must solely provide a kid with the Heimlich maneuver.

The Heimlich maneuver - 

Follow these steps to perform the Heimlich maneuver:

Stand behind the person together with your arms wrapped around their waist.

Lean the person forward.

Ball your hand into a hand and place it on the person’s abdomen, on top of their navel.

Grip your hand and press into the person’s abdomen in an upward motion.

Repeat this methodology 5 times.

If the thing continues to be stuck within the person’s throat, repeat these steps 5 additional times.

If the person is unconscious, clear their airway if possible with your finger. However, be cautious to not push the thing more deep into the throat. Visit your doctor afterward for further advice.