Top Choking Hazards Seen in the ER

Choking hazards are a big concern for parents and pediatricians alike. Some of the most common food hazards include raw vegetables, peanuts or other nuts, whole grapes, and hotdogs. Popcorn, gum, hard candy, and chunks of meat or cheese can also cause choking. While food is naturally responsible for many of the choking incidents we see, there are other items that can pose risks. These items include coins, small toys and balls, and batteries. Batteries in particular can generate enough to charge to cause issues right away, even if the battery appears to be dead. Any of these items can cause problems if they are put into other openings, such as the ears or nose.

If you have any concerns about your child swallowing a foreign object or putting something up their nose or in their ears, or any other concerns about choking, you should always feel free to call your pediatrician or bring your child into the emergency room. The St. Louis Children's team will always be happy to help.

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.