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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