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StatPearls, LLC

  • Airway Obstruction
  • Cough
  • Cyanosis
  • Gagging
  • Unconsciousness

Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

Foreign-body airway obstruction (FBAO) is the 4th leading cause of unintentional death and a leading cause of accidental deaths in children younger than age 16, according to the National Safety Council with 5051 documented deaths in 2015. Clinically, FBAO presents with a sudden onset of choking or the sensation of something lodged in the throat, often accompanied by forceful coughing, gagging, or stridor. Signs of respiratory distress may include breathlessness, inability to speak or cry, cyanosis, and the “universal choking sign” (clutching the throat). Severe hypoxia resulting from FBAO can lead to loss of consciousness. Age-specific symptoms vary, with infants showing silent cyanosis and ineffective cough, while adults may experience sudden coughing and gagging, particularly when eating quickly or having swallowing disorders. Due to the prevalence and rapid progression to unconsciousness and death associated with choking, it is essential for everyone, including those outside of the health field, to understand basic choking care. Simple maneuvers such as the Heimlich maneuver have been proven to save lives. Participants in this course gain a comprehensive understanding of FBAO, including its clinical presentation, causes, and evidence-based diagnostic and treatment strategies. The course covers the various symptoms across different age groups and teaches effective management techniques to prevent fatal outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early intervention and the implementation of life-saving maneuvers. Collaborating with an interprofessional team, including emergency physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and first responders, enhances patient outcomes by ensuring a coordinated and swift response to FBAO incidents.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

IPCE CreditsUp to 1.5 creditsAAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • includes Online course / module
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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