Choking: Leading Cause of Injury in Kids

Choking: Leading Cause of Injury in Kids

MIAMI VALLEY - Choking on food still remains a problem for young children.
     
Choking is the leading cause of injury for children four years and younger and new information shows the number of cases is on the rise.

The journal Pediatrics conducted a study between 2001 and 2009 in which more than 100,000 children went to the hospital for choking on food.

That's more than 12,000 a year. 34 kids a day.

The childhood hazard hospitalized kids from birth to 14. and the food that sent them there varied from baby formula to hot dogs.

"They are hard to chew, the hot dog is the perfect size to block the airways, in a young child, so that's why those are much more dangerous foods to give a child," Dr. Gary Smith of Nationwide  Children's Hospital said.

Hot dogs aren't the only high-risk foods on the menu.

Experts say the number one cause of choking is hard candy; respon sible for 16% of choking emergency room visits.

Other forms of candy and gum rank second in with 13, followed by bones and meat at 12% each.

More than 60% of the kids that required medical attention were 4 and younger. A shocking reminder to local moms.

"I think that's a high number but honestly it is something that concerns me. I have a one year old and that's something i think about when I'm feeding her. I try to break her food into really small pieces," Xenia Mom Janelle Bailey shared with us on Monday.

Experts say any food given to young children should be chopped into pieces no larger than half an inch.

A group of medical researchers are now asking for warning labels on food, much like the ones you'll find on certain toys.

"We have done a great job in this country, preventing choking in children on toys. Back since the 1990 we've had laws and regulations," Dr. Smith explained.

Experts point to the fact that there is no such syst ems in place currently for food.Choking: Leading Cause of Injury in Kids