Every now and then, food goes down the wrong way, and you start to gag, maybe even panic.
The American Red Cross says a number of things can lead to choking while eating:
- trying to swallow food that hasn't been chewed sufficiently;
- wearing dentures, which makes it harder to tell if food has been chewed long enough;
- drinking alcohol, which dulls the nerves that help you swallow;
- talking excitedly or laughing while eating;
- eating too fast;
- walking or running with anything in your mouth.
The Red Cross urges everyone to take a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so they can help in an emergency.
