What is the most common cause of choking in adults?

The most common cause of choking in adults is a blockage by a foreign object. This typically occurs when solid food, such as meat or other dense substances, gets lodged in the airway, obstructing normal breathing. Adults often rush through meals or fail to chew their food adequately, increasing the risk of choking. This situation is particularly dangerous because it can lead to a lack of oxygen, which is life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, coughing up blood, while serious, is not a typical cause of choking; rather, it indicates a different medical issue that requires immediate attention but does not involve airway obstruction. Vomiting can lead to aspiration or airway compromise, but it is not recognized as a direct cause of choking in the same manner as a foreign object. Swallowing saliva is a normal physiological process that does not pose a choking hazard. Understanding these factors helps clarify why foreign object obstruction is the predominant cause of choking incidents.