Gagging vs. Choking


This is important knowledge that all parents and caregivers should be equipped with, with the hope to never use them.

Learn the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging is a normal reflex; everyone has a gag reflex to prevent choking.

Monitor when your child is gagging and allow them to cough food up on their own.

𝘿𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴:
1. Pushes tongue forward
2. Retching movement
3. Eyes may water
4. May cough or vomit

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴:
1. Soft/high pitched sounds when inhaling
2. Weak, ineffective coughing
3. Inability to cry or make much sound
4. Difficulty breathing
5. Loss of consciousness
6. Bluish skin colour

NOTE: APPLY BACK BLOWS AT ANY IMMEDIATE SIGN OF CHOKING

Reference:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000048.htm