In most children’s minds, Halloween treats are more important than tricks. While a piece of candy may seem harmless, candies do pose a threat to kids. The National Library of Medicine found that kids ages one to three are more likely to choke. Choking is the fourth leading cause of death in preschool kids and the leading cause of infantile death. In 19% of cases, candy is the culprit.
Hard candies are among the top causes of a choking emergency. A list of other troublesome “candies” are cough drops, gum, marshmallows, caramels, and jellybeans. Candies that are marketed with caps and capsules are also risky. It is important that children not eat the candy as they walk around and should bring all their “loot” home to be checked for unwanted materials and allergens.
Choking emergencies can happen in any age group and in any setting. Do you, family members and babysitters/caretakers know what to do? There are many resources available for educating ourselves about what to do in this emergency. Look up CPR training in Galveston, go to healthychildren.org “Responding to Choking Emergency” and review infant CPR on various on line information platforms. It may be lifesaving.
A brief overview of choking emergencies is that prevention is the first action. Be careful this Halloween with the “loot” and EXCITED children. Caregivers should visualize that their child’s airway is no bigger than a drinking straw. Food size and shapes, especially round or a shape that could conform to the size of the airway are important items. Remember that toddlers are learning about chewing and hard candies do not easily break down into small pieces and soft candies can glob on the roof of the mouth. Large candy bars should be cut into tiny pieces.
If the child cannot breathe at all, or if they appear pale or have a weak cough, they need immediate attention. First, have someone call 911 and perform the Heimlich maneuver. For infants less than twelve months turn the infant face down with the head lower than the body and using the heel of your hand, strike the infant firmly between the shoulder blades 5 times. Check the infant’s mouth and gently remove visible objects. If the airway remains blocked, turn the infant face up with the head down. Using the second and third fingers give 5 inward and upward chest thrusts pushing about ½ to 1½ inches into the infant’s breastbone. Check for visible objects and repeat until the obstruction is dislodged. If the infant becomes unconscious start CPR.
For middle-years children perform the Heimlich maneuver with arms around the waist, thumb side of the hand on the middle of the abdomen below the breastbone, and using the other hand press inward with rapid upward strokes. Repeat until the object is coughed up. This may be done while the child is lying down, sitting, or standing.
Hands-on training is helpful for emergency situations, but prevention is the key.
By Sally Robinson, MD
Keeping Kids Healthy
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Published October 2023