Choking is the leading cause of death and injury among children, particularly in children ages 3 and younger, a CHOC otolaryngologist tells “American Health Journal.”
Food, toys and coins are the primary causes of choking in children in this age group, says Dr. Nguyen Pham. Spherical toys are of particular concern, as are latex balloons. Hotdogs, grapes and nuts are especially dangerous foods, Dr. Pham says.
Learn more about choking hazards, including prevention and treatment, in “American Health Journal,” a television program that airs on PBS and other national network affiliates that reach more than 40 million households.
Each 30-minute episode features six segments with a diverse range of medical specialists discussing a full spectrum of health topics. For more information, visit www.discoverhealth.tv.
Nguyen Pham, M.D., attended medical school at UC Irvine, and then completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. He conducted his fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Stanford University in Palo Alto.
