Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Suffocation, choking, and strangulation in childhood in England and Wales: epidemiology and prevention

J W Nixon1, A M Kemp, S Levene

  • 1Department of Child Health, University of Wales College of Medicine, Llandough Special Children Centre, Penarth, South Glamorgan.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Mechanical asphyxial deaths in children, primarily under three years old, highlight the need for safe sleeping environments. Further research is needed to prevent hanging deaths in older boys.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Pediatric Safety
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mechanical asphyxial deaths, including choking, suffocation, and strangulation, pose a significant risk to children.
  • Understanding the causes and classifications of these deaths is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the causes, classification, and prevention of mechanical asphyxial deaths in children.
  • To analyze data on child deaths due to choking, suffocation, or strangulation in England and Wales between 1990 and 1991.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) for child deaths (under 15) in England and Wales (1990-1991).
  • Selected cases based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes (E911-3, E953, E963, E983).
  • Extracted case details from coroners' records and death certificates.

Main Results:

  • Identified 136 child deaths: 99 boys, 37 girls; 65% were under 3 years old.
  • Classifications included choking (21), aspirating gastric contents (39), suffocation (29), strangulation (11), and hanging (36).
  • Strangulation deaths comprised younger children suspended at home (12) and older boys with self-initiated hanging (21). 31 deaths occurred in beds or cots.

Conclusions:

  • Deaths from aspirating vomit may be linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or underlying medical conditions.
  • The study emphasizes the need for guidance on safe sleeping environments.
  • While toy safety standards appear effective, prevention of hanging in older boys requires further investigation.

More Related Videos

Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Placement in a Neonatal Patient Simulator Using a Non-Inflatable Supraglottic Airway (SGA)04:56

Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Placement in a Neonatal Patient Simulator Using a Non-Inflatable Supraglottic Airway (SGA)

Published on: July 14, 2023

Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation07:15

Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation

Published on: December 5, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...