How to Help Someone Choking on Saliva: Emergency Tips for Families

Choking on saliva?

Hello, after an elder in the family choked on saliva, they coughed violently until their face turned red, then their eyes rolled back and they fainted, becoming limp and unresponsive in the chair.
Fortunately, after several seconds, they finally regained consciousness.
I would like to ask how family members should assist if this situation occurs again, or how one can self-rescue when feeling faint?

xiaxia, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/13

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, it is recommended that if elderly individuals have excessive saliva, they should lie on their side to allow the saliva to flow out, which can help prevent choking.
Additionally, you can prepare a pulse oximeter at home to monitor the oxygen levels of the elderly.
You may also consider purchasing or renting an oxygen concentrator and a suction machine for use in such situations.
For guidance on how and when to use these devices, please consult your nurse or a representative at the medical supply store.
Furthermore, if the elderly individual has a chronic illness and is seeing a doctor at a hospital, you can inquire whether the hospital offers long-term care services.
If not, you can check with your local health department, which should have some long-term care resources available, such as home care services.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2022/11/13

More Info

When someone is choking on saliva or any other substance, it can be a frightening experience for both the individual and those around them. In the scenario you described, where an elderly family member experienced severe coughing, facial reddening, and even loss of consciousness, it is crucial to act quickly and effectively. Here are some emergency tips for families to help someone who is choking, as well as self-help strategies for those who may feel faint or lightheaded during such an incident.

Immediate Response to Choking
1. Assess the Situation: If the person is coughing forcefully, encourage them to continue coughing as this can help expel the obstruction. If they cannot cough, speak, or breathe, they may be in a critical situation.

2. Call for Help: If the person is unable to breathe, call emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence in choking situations.

3. Perform Back Blows: If the person is still conscious but unable to breathe, you can perform back blows. Stand behind the individual, lean them forward slightly, and use the heel of your hand to deliver five firm blows between the shoulder blades.

4. Perform Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver): If back blows do not work, you can perform abdominal thrusts. Stand behind the person, place your arms around their waist, make a fist with one hand, and place it just above the navel. Grasp your fist with the other hand and thrust inward and upward sharply. Repeat until the obstruction is expelled or the person loses consciousness.

5. If the Person Becomes Unconscious: If the person loses consciousness, carefully lower them to the ground. Call emergency services if you haven’t already. Begin CPR if you are trained to do so, and check the mouth for any visible obstructions before giving rescue breaths.

Self-Help Strategies for Lightheadedness
If you find yourself feeling faint or lightheaded during a choking incident, here are some self-help strategies:
1. Sit or Lie Down: If you feel faint, sit or lie down immediately to prevent falling and injuring yourself. This will help stabilize your blood flow and reduce the risk of fainting.

2. Breathe Deeply: Focus on taking slow, deep breaths. This can help increase oxygen flow to your brain and alleviate feelings of dizziness.

3. Stay Calm: Try to remain as calm as possible. Anxiety can exacerbate feelings of lightheadedness. If you can, close your eyes and take a moment to center yourself.

4. Hydrate: If you are able, drink some water. Dehydration can contribute to feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness.

5. Seek Help: If you continue to feel unwell or if the situation escalates, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

Prevention and Education
To prevent choking incidents in the future, consider the following:
- Educate Family Members: Ensure that all family members are aware of the signs of choking and know how to respond. Consider taking a first aid and CPR course together.

- Modify Eating Habits: For elderly individuals or those with swallowing difficulties, modify their diet to include softer foods and encourage them to eat slowly and chew thoroughly.

- Stay Calm During Emergencies: Encourage a calm environment during meals and discussions about choking hazards. This can help reduce anxiety and promote safer eating practices.

In conclusion, knowing how to respond effectively to choking incidents can save lives. It is essential to remain calm, act quickly, and seek professional help when necessary. Additionally, educating yourself and your family about choking prevention and emergency response can significantly reduce the risks associated with choking.

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