Obstructed Airway Injuries

Unintentional obstructed airway injuries are the fourth leading cause of unintentional home injury death in the United States and result in an average of 1,092 fatalities each year. ^[1]

There are three types of obstructed airway injuries: suffocation is obstruction of the nose and mouth from an external object such as a plastic bag; choking is blocking the airway internally, usually by food or small toys in young children; strangulation is external compression of the airway from an object, such as a string around the neck. ^[2]

Children under age 5 are at greatest risk of obstructed airway injuries because of their small airway, inexperience with chewing, and tendency to put objects in the mouth. ^{[1, 3]}

Most of the prevention strategies for obstructed airway injuries have been focused on product regulation. Federal regulation of cribs, toys and other articles intended for use by children under 3 years has made significant progress in reducing the incidence of choking, strangulation and suffocation. ^[2]

References
1. Runyan, C. and C. Casteel, eds. The State of Home Safety in America: Facts About Unintentional Injuries in the Home. 2nd ed. 2004, Home Safety Council: Washington, DC. 2. Tarrago, S.B. Prevention of choking, strangulation, and suffocation in childhood. Wisconsin Medical Journal, 2000. 99: p. 43-46. 3. National SAFE KIDS Campaign. Airway obstruction injury fact sheet. 2004, National SAFE KIDS Campaign: Washington, DC.

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