First Aid for Water Choking: What to do if Choking on Water
Author:
CPR Select
Last updated:
9/1/2025
Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death, including choking on water. Yes, it is possible to choke on water. This happens when water is accidentally inhaled into the windpipe instead of being swallowed into the esophagus. This leads to coughing and difficulty breathing. Here's what to do if choking on water:
Assess the Situation: Assess the severity of the situation. Is the person coughing forcefully or able to breathe, even if it's difficult?
Encourage Coughing: If the person is coughing, encourage them to keep coughing. Coughing is the body's natural way of clearing the airway. Do not forcefully pat the person on the back. This push the water further down the airway.
Give Rescue Breaths: Do not use abdominal or chest thrusts to remove water. If the person isn’t breathing, give rescue breaths and begin CPR with breaths.
Perform CPR: If the person loses consciousness, begin CPR immediately if the person is not breathing.
Monitor and Provide Support After the water is expelled, and the person breathe, monitor them closely. They are still at risk of complications like pneumonia or shock.
Assess the Situation
Start by quickly assessing the severity of the situation. Look for signs of choking, such as the person clutching their throat or displaying difficulty speaking or breathing. Observe if the person is coughing forcefully or if they're struggling to breathe, even if it's challenging. Additionally, check their overall condition, including their skin color (if it's turning bluish) and their responsiveness.
Encourage Coughing
If the person is actively coughing, provide immediate reassurance and urge them to continue coughing. Explain that coughing is the body's natural mechanism for clearing the airway of foreign objects, including water. Stress the importance of forceful coughing as it provides the best chance of expelling the water from their airway.
It's essential to avoid forcefully patting the person on the back. While this might be the instinctual response, it sometimes push the water further down the airway and worsen the situation. Stay with the person and offer verbal support to help them remain calm and focused on coughing.
Give Rescue Breaths
If the person is not breathing, do not try to force the water out with abdominal or chest thrusts. These methods do not help and waste valuable time.
Instead, focus on giving the person air:
Step 1: If trained, start with rescue breaths. Give 2 slow breaths, watching for chest rise.
Step 2: If there is still no normal breathing or movement, begin CPR with both chest compressions and rescue breaths (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths).
Step 3: Continue CPR until the person breathes on their own or emergency services arrive.
Why this matters: In drowning cases, the main problem is lack of oxygen. Early ventilation (rescue breaths) is critical to improve survival.
Monitor and Provide Support
Once the water is expelled, and the person breathes or cough effectively, stay by their side and offer reassurance. Continuously monitor their condition, watching for any signs of respiratory distress, such as labored breathing or changes in skin color. Be prepared to seek immediate medical attention, even if the person seems fully recovered, as water aspiration leads to complications like pneumonia.
Additionally, provide emotional support as the person feels shaken or anxious following the choking episode. Encourage them to remain calm and reassure them that they are safe and receiving appropriate care.
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If a small amount of clean water accidentally enters the lungs, it usually does not cause pneumonia in healthy people. However, aspiration pneumonia can occur if food, vomit, or contaminated water enters the lungs, which may lead to serious complications and even hospitalization. If left untreated, the infection can progress quickly, spread to the bloodstream, and form abscesses in the lungs. Symptoms of choking on water may include:
Coughing or wheezing.
Gurgling or struggling to breathe.
Cyanosis (bluish skin or lips).
Distress and panic.
Causes of Choking on Water
Choking on water happens when water enters the airway instead of the esophagus, which carries food and liquid to the stomach. This occurs due to:
Inhaling or aspirating water while swimming or bathing.
Accidentally inhaling water while drinking.
Falling into water unexpectedly, such as a pool, lake, or bathtub.
Participating in water activities like diving or water sports.
Risk factors of choking on water
Certain factors increase the risk of choking on water, including:
Alcohol or drug use impairing coordination and judgment.
Weak swimming skills.
Epilepsy or seizures in the water.
Medical conditions affecting swallowing or cough reflex.
According to research, individuals with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, or those with anatomical abnormalities (such as cleft lip or palate), have a higher risk of choking on water.
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Try to cough gently to clear your airway, as this helps dislodge the excess saliva. If possible, spit out the excess saliva into a tissue or a nearby container to remove it from your mouth and prevent further choking. If you continue to experience difficulty or the situation worsens, consider seeking medical attention or contacting a healthcare professional for guidance. Choking on saliva is usually a temporary and manageable issue, but it's essential to respond calmly and effectively to ensure your safety.
Can you die from choking on water or saliva?
Choking on water or saliva is usually not life-threatening for most people. The body's natural reflexes, like coughing, helps clear the airway. However, in cases of underlying medical conditions that affect swallowing or the cough reflex, there are more significant risks. While these situations are typically manageable, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about frequent choking incidents or swallowing difficulties to address any underlying issues and receive appropriate guidance.
How long can a person survive after choking on water?
The amount of time a person survives after choking on water depends on various factors, including the amount of water ingested, the person's age and overall health, and how quickly the person receives medical treatment. In some cases, a person is able to cough up the water and recover quickly, while in other cases, water inhalation leads to serious complications, such as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is fatal.
What should you do if someone is choking on water and becomes unconscious?
If someone is choking on water and becomes unconscious, immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS) and start CPR. The American Heart Association recommends starting CPR until EMS arrives.
Can babies choke on water?
Yes, babies can choke on water, especially when drinking from bottles or sippy cups if they swallow too quickly or improperly. Always supervise infants and young children when they are drinking, and ensure they are in a seated position to minimize choking risks. If a baby does choke on water, encourage coughing, and if necessary, perform infant-specific first-aid techniques to clear their airways.
What to do when a baby chokes on water?
If an infant has inhaled water and is not breathing, give rescue breaths and start infant CPR.
What happens when you choke on food?
Choking on food leads to obstruction of the airway, causing difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it leads to asphyxiation and death if not treated promptly. The Heimlich maneuver or chest thrusts are necessary to dislodge the obstructing food.
Are there specific risks for different age groups when choking on water?
Yes, there are specific risks for different age groups when choking on water. Infants and toddlers are at higher risk of choking due to their smaller airways and underdeveloped swallowing reflexes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under age 4 have the highest rate of choking incidents. The elderly are similarly at risk due to age-related declines in swallowing function and cognitive impairments. Data from the National Safety Council highlights that choking is a leading cause of injury-related death among adults aged 65 and older.
Can certain medical conditions make water choking more dangerous?
Yes, certain medical conditions make ater choking more dangerous. Neurological disorders such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease impair the swallowing reflex, increasing the risk of aspiration. Research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry indicates that stroke patients experience higher rates of aspiration pneumonia. Dementia impairs swallowing, with studies showing that over 60% of patients with advanced dementia have swallowing difficulties. Respiratory conditions like COPD exacerbate the impact of aspiration, as noted by the American Lung Association.
Is there a difference in response between choking on water versus other liquids?
Yes. Choking on water is usually less severe because clean water is thin and can be coughed out more easily.
Thicker liquids such as milk or juice are harder to clear and carry a higher risk of aspiration. The danger comes less from thickness alone and more from factors like bacteria, contamination, and the amount inhaled.
Clean water in small amounts is generally less harmful, while substances like food, milk, or vomit entering the lungs are more likely to cause infections, aspiration pneumonia, or lasting lung damage.
Are there long-term effects of water aspiration?
Yes, water aspiration leads to long-term effects. Repeated aspiration of water increases the risk of chronic respiratory issues, such as persistent cough, chronic bronchitis, and recurrent pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when water enters the lungs, results in lasting lung damage and ongoing respiratory problems. Studies in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reveal that frequent aspiration contributes to chronic lung inflammation and complications. Persistent aspiration of water leads to continuous respiratory symptoms and a higher likelihood of infections.
How to Prevent Choking on Water?
Although anyone chokes on water and saliva because of the proximity of the windpipe to the esophagus, some medical conditions make choking more likely. Prevention focuses on swallow therapy and oral care for people at risk of aspiration. Routine suctioning outside medical care is not recommended.
To prevent choking while drinking water, take smaller sips, sit upright, and sip slowly. Using a straw helps control the flow, and it's essential to stay calm and relaxed while drinking. Taking breaks, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before drinking, and practicing safe habits, especially for children, further reducing the risk. If you have swallowing issues or medical conditions, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
What Are Essential Advanced Airway Management Techniques for Choking on Water?
Essential advanced airway management techniques for choking on water include oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways, endotracheal intubation, and supraglottic airway devices like laryngeal mask airways. These techniques are used when basic methods fail and should only be performed by trained medical personnel according to established protocols. Early assessment and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes in choking emergencies.
Why is airway management a key component of first aid for choking on water?
Airway management is crucial in first aid for choking on water because it directly addresses the immediate threat to the individual's ability to breathe. Without effective airway management, the obstruction will lead to respiratory distress, hypoxia, and even death. By quickly and efficiently managing the airway, first responders significantly improve the chances of survival and minimize the risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the frequently asked questions about choking on water:
Why am I always choking on water?
Frequent choking on water can be due to several reasons, including weakened throat muscles, improper swallowing techniques, or medical conditions like acid reflux, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or neurological issues. If you notice frequent episodes of choking, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider to understand and address the underlying cause.
Can you drown from choking on water?
Yes. While it's unlikely to drown from choking on a small amount of water, inhaling a significant quantity can lead to complications like aspiration pneumonia or other respiratory issues. If this occurs, it's crucial to take immediate action, such as coughing or following first-aid steps, to clear the airways and reduce risk.
What does it mean if I choke on water frequently?
Choking on water frequently may indicate underlying health concerns, such as issues with swallowing muscles or coordination problems between the throat and esophagus. This can also be a symptom of conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or dysphagia. Speaking with a healthcare provider can help determine the cause and provide strategies to minimize choking episodes.
Is choking on water dangerous?
Yes. Choking on water can be dangerous, particularly if it leads to water entering the lungs, which can result in complications like aspiration pneumonia. While most cases are not life-threatening and can be resolved through coughing, severe choking may obstruct breathing and require immediate first aid.
What does it mean to choke on water while sleeping?
Choking on water or saliva during sleep can be due to several factors, including acid reflux, sleep apnea, or a buildup of saliva. Sleeping in a slightly elevated position may help reduce these occurrences, and consulting a doctor may be beneficial, especially if it happens frequently.
Why do people choke on water?
Choking on water can happen for various reasons, including drinking too quickly, laughing or talking while drinking, or a brief lapse in swallowing coordination. For some individuals, medical conditions may increase their risk of choking, even with small amounts of liquid.
What should I do if I accidentally inhale water?
If you accidentally inhale water, try to cough it out immediately. This helps clear the water from the windpipe or airways. If breathing becomes difficult or you experience chest discomfort, seek medical attention, as inhaled water can sometimes cause complications.
Can you get water in your lungs from drinking water?
Yes, a small amount of water can enter the lungs if it goes down the "wrong pipe" (trachea). While your body often expels this water through coughing, significant inhalation of water can lead to aspiration, where water in the lungs causes inflammation or infection.
What Role Does CPR Play in Saving Lives During Water Choking Incidents?
CPR plays a critical role in saving lives during water choking incidents, especially if the individual becomes unconscious and stops breathing. Here's how CPR helps:
Maintains Circulation: CPR helps maintain blood circulation to vital organs, including the brain, during a water choking incident. Effective chest compressions pump oxygenated blood throughout the body, sustaining essential functions until the airway obstruction is cleared or professional medical help arrives.
Provides Oxygenation: By combining chest compressions with rescue breaths, CPR delivers oxygen to the lungs and bloodstream, addressing the oxygen deficiency resulting from airway obstruction. This helps prevent hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and its associated complications, such as brain damage or cardiac arrest.
How Can Bystanders Effectively Use CPR in Water Choking Emergencies?
In water choking emergencies, bystanders effectively use CPR by ensuring their safety and assessing the scene first. If the individual is unresponsive, bystanders should immediately call for help and begin CPR, starting with chest compressions on a firm surface. After every 30 compressions, they should provide two rescue breaths. This cycle should continue until the person starts breathing normally, help arrives, or the bystander is too exhausted to continue. If available, an automated external defibrillator (AED) should be used according to its instructions. CPR performed promptly and correctly greatly enhances the chances of survival for the individual in distress.
CPR and First Aid Training
Many people underestimate the risk of choking on water, making CPR and first aid training even more vital. Most people experience choking at some point in their lives. There are situations where choking is usually short-lived and doesn’t pose any real danger. However, it’s important to remember that choking is dangerous and causes life-threatening complications. Therefore, we must know what to do if we experience choking on water or witness it on someone else to help save a life. This is just one of the basic life-saving skills you learn when enrolling in CPR/AED and First Aid certification classes.
With the advancement of technology and online learning, CPR classes are now easily accessible and available online for anyone to take. In fact, there are even CPR classes for free available, which allows anyone to learn this vital skill without having to worry about the cost.
Enroll Now for Online CPR/AED Training & Certification Classes at just $19.95.
Sources:
American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/heimlich-maneuver)
American College of Emergency Physicians (https://www.acep.org/how-we-serve/sections/disaster-preparedness-and-response/news/july-2019/the-dangers-of-drowning-what-you-need-to-know/)
American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-arrest/resuscitation-science/cpr-steps-administering-cpr)
Cleveland Clinic and Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
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