Choking may be caused by a foreign body blocking or partly blocking the windpipe and is frequently described by the victim in some such terms as: "the food has gone down the wrong way". Artificial teeth and fish bones a re sometimes to blame.

TREATMENT: The patient is distressed and at times hysterical. He should be made to lean forward and should be thumped several times between the shoulder blades. If this fails, he should be told to sit up leaning well forward and you should then pass your finger to the back of his throat and endeavour to hook up the offending object. If this too fails. seek medical aid.