Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Food stuck in a child's throat or food pipe

When food or an object becomes stuck in a child, first establish whether the child can still cough effectively, speak and breathe. Choking needs immediate first aid and Ambulance 912. A child who is breathing but cannot swallow, keeps drooling or has pain may have a blockage in the food pipe (oesophagus) and needs urgent assessment.

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  • Immediately distinguish between a blocked airway and something stuck in the oesophagus. With a blocked airway, the child cannot breathe adequately; with an oesophageal blockage, breathing is often still possible but swallowing is not.
  • A strong, audible cough is a protective mechanism. Encourage coughing and keep watching. A silent or weak cough, being unable to speak or cry, and turning blue are signs of severe choking.
  • For severe choking, call Ambulance 912 and start age-appropriate first aid. If possible, have someone else call while you stay with the child.
  • Never put fingers or tools blindly into the mouth. You may push the object deeper, damage the lining or turn a partial blockage into a complete one.
  • Even if the child is breathing, a button battery, several magnets, a magnet plus metal, a sharp object or continuing swallowing problems need immediate professional assessment.

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Swallowed objectA small blunt object that reaches the stomach often passes by itself, but a button battery, multiple magnets, a magnet with metal, a sharp or large object and oesophageal blockage are time-critical. Do not wait for symptoms: arrange immediate medical assessment, do not induce vomiting and give nothing to eat or drink unless an expert explicitly advises it. For choking or severe breathing difficulty, call Ambulance 912.
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Sore throatA sore throat is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, watch for difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, dehydration, a muffled voice, a uvula pulled to one side or marked swelling on one side of the throat. These may indicate a more serious infection or an abscess. Rest, fluids and soft food often help, but a doctor needs to assess warning signs promptly.
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Swallowing problemsWith swallowing problems, food, drink or saliva does not pass safely or smoothly from the mouth to the stomach. The cause may lie in the mouth, throat, nervous system or oesophagus. Choking, weight loss and dehydration need timely assessment.