What is airway obstruction?

Most swallowed objects pass through the digestive tract without any problem and show up in the stool within a few days. But a swallowed object can scratch, irritate, or puncture the digestive tract, causing bleeding. Blood in the vomit can appear bright red or look like coffee grounds (partially digested blood) and usually comes from the stomach, esophagus, or throat.

Sometimes after you swallow a pill it may feel like it "got stuck" or didn't go all the way down. This feeling usually goes away within 30 to 60 minutes if you drink liquids or eat a piece of bread.

If an object is stuck in your esophagus, your doctor will need to remove it.

You may not have any symptoms when something is stuck in your throat or esophagus. But when symptoms are present, they may include:

• Rapid, noisy, or high-pitched breathing.
• Increased drooling.
• Trouble swallowing, pain when swallowing, or complete inability to swallow, even your own saliva.
• Gagging.
• Vomiting.
• Not wanting to eat solids.
• Pain in the neck, chest, or belly.
• Feeling that something is stuck in your throat.

Since a small child may put anything in his or her mouth, it is important to be aware of what is within reach. The windpipe is about the same size as the diameter of your child's little finger. It is best to keep objects less than 1.25 in. (3.2 cm) out of a child's reach.

Pieces of food, such as hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and candy, are the most common objects that cause airway blockage, with round foods being most frequent. Small parts of a toy, the eyes sewn on a doll, or buttons from clothing can become stuck in the air passage. Latex balloons are particularly hazardous, because even a tiny piece can completely block the airway.