ABOUT CHOKING

People Who Suffer from Physical Disabilities are at High Risk of Choking

• Individuals with neurological conditions like Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, ALS, and Alzheimer's are at a heightened risk of developing dysphagia.
• In the UK, approximately 127,000 people live with Parkinson's Disease.
• Around 8,000 people are affected by Huntington's Disease.
• The UK has about 100,000 individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, with 30-40 percent of them facing significant dysphagia challenges.

These factors collectively increase the likelihood of choking.

Choking is often termed the "silent killer" in the care sector, representing one of the greatest fears for caregivers. To grasp why this is such a critical issue, it's important to understand the factors contributing to choking risks within the elderly and vulnerable populations.

For adults over the age of 65, choking stands as one of the leading causes of accidental death. This elevated risk stems from several factors, including dysphagia, reduced saliva production as a side effect of medications, and physical disabilities that may require reliance on a wheelchair for daily activities.

Notably, individuals over 65 are seven times more likely to choke on food compared to children aged 1–4 years.

In a choking emergency, every second is crucial. Within about 3 minutes, the victim may lose consciousness; after 6-10 minutes of oxygen deprivation, brain damage is likely, and beyond 10 minutes, death becomes a significant risk.

For individuals with neurological disorders like Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, a fatal choking incident may be recorded as "complications related to the neurological disease" rather than choking. This can obscure the true impact of choking in the care sector, making it difficult to understand the severity of the problem.

Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) teams create care and diet plans for those at high risk of choking. While these plans are essential for helping residents enjoy their meals safely, they aren’t foolproof. Occasionally, such as when a resident moves to a new home, these plans might be overlooked, increasing the risk of choking. However, following these guidelines is critical for balancing the enjoyment of food with safety for those at risk.