A choking spell happens when the epiglottis (the flap that covers the windpipe when a person swallows) doesn't close fast enough. When this happens, mucus, saliva, or vomit can get into the windpipe (also called trachea or airway). This can make it hard to breathe, and a child may choke, gag, or cough a lot. The child's skin may look pale, blue, red, or purple. After the child coughs for a while, the mucus, saliva, or vomit usually comes out of the airway and is spit out or swallowed.

Nothing is stuck in your child's throat and your child's breathing is normal. It is safe to care for your child at home. Although your child didn't choke on an object, this is a good time to review how to prevent and treat choking.

• Take a first aid class to learn the Heimlich maneuver (belly thrusts that can help push an object out of the airway). Ask your health care provider or a local community center, or go online to RedCross.org/take-a-class.
• Smoking/vaping and being around smoke/vapor can cause coughing and many health problems. Make your home and car smoke and vapor free. For help quitting, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.
• If your baby is under 1 year old, always put them on their back to sleep. Sleeping on their back doesn't make a baby more likely to choke, and it helps prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
• To help prevent choking:
  • Be sure your child is seated while eating. They shouldn't talk while they have food in their mouth.
  • Always stay with your child when they are eating.
  • Give children food that is appropriate for their age. For example, babies should only have pureed foods when first learning to eat.
  • For toddlers and young kids, cut up food (especially hard fruits, grapes, meats, and raw vegetables) into very small pieces. Consider cooking hard fruits and vegetables to make them softer.
  • Keep coins, small toys, plastic bags, and balloons away from children.

Your child:

• Has another choking spell like this one 
• Coughs a lot

Your child is choking. Signs include not being able to breathe, cough, talk, or cry out loud, turning blue, or going limp/passing out.

Start the Heimlich maneuver if you have been trained, and have someone else call 911 if possible. The 911 operator will tell you how to help your child while you wait for an ambulance with trained specialists.

Does my child need an X-ray? No, an X-ray isn't needed, because your child didn't choke on an object. Mucus, vomit, and saliva may get stuck in the airway for a short time. These liquids can't be seen on X-rays. If your child develops a cough or fever, the health care provider may order a chest X-ray to check for an infection.

What does "it went down the wrong pipe" mean? Occasionally, the epiglottis doesn't cover the opening of the trachea fast enough when someone swallows. An object, food, or liquid then goes into the trachea ("the wrong pipe") instead of the esophagus.