b'ChapterChokingChoking occurs when the upper airway is obstructed by swollen tissue or a foreign body, or when food or other material enters the windpipe (trachea) instead of the oesophagus. Choking most often occurs while eating and involves the inhalation of food down the windpipe during a meal.Coughing is the bodys reflex action to dislodge a foreign object.Choking occurs if food or other materialenters the windpipe instead of the oesophagus.How to RecogniseIt is important to quickly differentiate between a mild and a severe airway obstruction. If the patient is able to breathe, speak or cough, this is an indication that some movement of air can occur and that the obstruction is mild. A choking person who is unable to breathe, speak or cough will usually display the universal signs of severe airway obstruction - grasping at their throat with their hands, followed by collapse and unconsciousness.62 Choking (Airway Obstruction)'