Heimlich maneuver for choking children: knowing when and how to perform it

Video of an influencer using the maneuver on her son who choked on milk has gone viral on social media, but experts warn the technique should not be used when choking on liquids

Last Wednesday evening, the 5th, the influencer Anna Clara Maia shared on her social networks the scare she had with her child, who choked on milk. In a video that has gone viral on the internet you can see the mother trying to use the Heimlich maneuver to make him breathe again. The technique, however, is recommended only in cases of suffocation caused by solid objects and in cases where the child is unable to cough or make sounds, which indicates that the airways are completely blocked.

“This is a common mistake. But this movement serves to move a solid object that is blocking the airway. In liquids, there is no way to do this,” explains Tânia Zamataro, pediatrician at the Department of Prevention and Fight against External Causes. From Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP). According to the specialist, the recent case is probably due to the baby’s reflux after breastfeeding. “At the moment (The milk) went up the esophagus, it must have hit the entrance to the airway,” he says.

In this situation, the guidance is different. According to Zamataro, parents and guardians should lift the baby, gently remove excess milk that is in the mouth (and not the throat) and leave him standing or sitting, observing his reaction head-on. If necessary, you can also give the child a few light taps on the back, but without using too much force. “In more than 90% of cases, the child breathes on his own again,” he explains.

For this reason, in addition to being aware of first aid measures, parents and caregivers must be vigilant to prevent the child from suffocating. The SBP informs that:

• During breastfeeding, hold the baby slightly inclined, with the head a little higher than the feet. For Zamataro, the ideal is to wait about 20 minutes after the burp to put the baby to sleep in a completely horizontal position;
• Offer well-cut foods in small quantities, paying attention to foods that can mold in the respiratory tract (grapes, cherry tomatoes, sausage, for example);
• Feed babies only when they are awake, alert, sitting or standing without moving (for example, when they are walking, playing, crying and talking). Never feed him when he is lying down or sleepy;
• Avoid giving hard and crunchy foods up to 4 years of age (popcorn, hard candies, peanuts, for example);
• Teach children to chew food well;
• Take care of children’s toys, avoiding putting them in their mouths, making sure they are age-appropriate and have the Inmetro seal.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.