Nonfatal Choking on Food Among Children 14 Years or Younger in the United States, 2001–2009

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: In 2001, an estimated 10 438 children were treated in US emergency departments for nonfatal choking on food. The foods most frequently associated with pediatric fatal choking are hot dogs, seeds, nuts, candy, and certain types of fruits and vegetables.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: From 2001 through 2009, an estimated annual average of 12 435 children ages 0 to 14 years were treated in US emergency departments for nonfatal choking on food; 0-to 4-year-olds accounted for 61.7% of episodes. Foods most frequently involved were candy, meat, bone, and fruits/vegetables. abstract OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of nonfatal choking on food among US children. METHODS:Using a nationally representative sample, nonfatal pediatric choking-related emergency department (ED) visits involving food for 2001 through 2009 were analyzed by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program. Narratives abstracted from the medical record were reviewed to identify choking cases and the types of food involved.RESULTS: An estimated 111 914 (95% confidence interval: 83 975-139 854) children ages 0 to 14 years were treated in US hospital EDs from 2001 through 2009 for nonfatal food-related choking, yielding an average of 12 435 children annually and a rate of 20.4 (95% confidence interval: 15.4-25.3) visits per 100 000 population. The mean age of children treated for nonfatal food-related choking was 4.5 years. Children aged #1 year accounted for 37.8% of cases, and male children accounted for more than one-half (55. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nationally representative study to focus solely on nonfatal pediatric food-related choking treated in US EDs over a multiyear period. Improved surveillance, food labeling and redesign, and public education are strategies that can help reduce pediatric choking on food. Pediatrics 2013;132:275-281 AUTHORS:

Review of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in the South African paediatric age group

“…In paediatrics, commonly aspirated FBs are nuts, victual particles, equipment, and parts or bits of toys, peanuts (36-55% of FBs aspirations in civilized countries), seeds and popcorn (9)(10)(11)13,14).…”

“…It has been estimated that the vast majority of FB aspiration takes place in children under the age of 4, while the peak incidence seems to occur between the age of 12 and 24 months (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). These children can move around…”

Adjustment of Food Textural Properties for Elderly Patients

“…; Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ; Food Safety Commission Japan ; Chapin et al . ; Siddel et al . ; Kennedy et al .…”

“…Soft food textures can be mashed with a fork but may have disparate particle sizes, while pureed or ground food has very small particles that are homogenous in texture and size. The recommendations regarding food texture features, including size and shape are informed by autopsy results and non-fatal choking incidents (Rimmel et al 1995;Berzlanovich et al 1999; Centre for Disease Control and Prevention 2002; Food Safety Commission Japan 2010; Chapin et al 2013;Siddel et al 2013;Kennedy et al 2014). While more people choke in the community or at home, choking still occurs in hospital settings (69% and 9.5-27%, respectively) (Berzlanovich et al 2005).…”

Awareness of the first aid management of foreign body aspiration among students: A cross-sectional study

“…[8] The National Safety Council identified the rate of fatal and nonfatal choking among American children in the general population as 0.43 and 20.4/100,000 population, respectively. [11]…”