What can happen to an infants throat when you stick your finger down it to remove stuck food and u go too far?

Question

my son was choking on a chip and i stuck my finger down his throat and i went pretty far and now he has a rasp should i be concerned of prolonged effects

Answer 1

My daughter is 21 months and chokes on chips all the time. I have no idea why she can't get the hang of chewing chips. That's the only thing she chokes on. I stopped giving them to her for a while and the other day thought I would try, well she choked again. Nothing serious, I've never stuck my finger down her throat for it. I think it just scratches her throat, so I usually make her drink something to soften the chip up so it goes down. I haven't noticed a rasp with her though. I would say that he'll be fine a little scratch in the throat from your finger or a chip is better then the alternative. You did the right thing. Now just let him have popsicles or ice water.

Answer 2

In theory, you can cause harm. This is why the "blind finger sweep" isn't done with infants.

It is more than likely nothing serious, however I would recommend going to see his pediatrician or to emergency. The reason is if a part of the chip became stuck near the vocal cords, it could become an airway obstruction later. This is especially concerning in infants as their airway resembles a funnel, narrowing as it descends; and it is very easy to obstruct as a result.

Still, it is probably nothing and I'm just being overly cautiouss.

Good luck!

Answer 3

well his throat is probably really scratched from your finger and the chip .. i would call your doctor to be sure its okay

Answer 4

It's quite possible you scratched the back of his throat with your nail or the chip did. This will heal fine, he'll probably be sore for a few days so maybe give him some calpol (or the US equivalent...Is it tylenol?) if he's hurting with it. Don't feel bad though, you saved your sons life, a rasp and a scratch is nothing! Well done for the fast thinking.

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

I took an infant CPR class and they strongly advise against sticking your finger down their throat to try to remove food. You got lucky, but there is the chance that you could actually shove the food further down their throat. As long as the child is gagging, coughing, or otherwise making noise leave them be or only remove food from the front of their mouths.

I agree with the other answers that you may have scratched his throat. Or there still may be a piece of chip lodged in there that isnt obstructing his breath, yet.