Choking Hazard: Beware of Sticky Toppings in Milk Tea

Tapioca pearls and jelly are known for their soft, chewy, and highly sticky texture. However, when ingested, they can present a choking hazard that can obscure and obstruct breathing, causing difficulty breathing. This is what happened to a 20-year-old girl who recently visited Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi after she choked on tapioca pearls while drinking milk tea. She was diagnosed with severe coughing, difficulty breathing, blue lips, and an endoscopy revealed pearl beads in the right bronchus.

Dr. Nguyen Van Ngan from Tam Anh General Hospital warns that drinks served with various toppings can increase the risk of choking on foreign objects in the airways. Toppings like tapioca pearls and jelly are often granular, made of powder or gelatinous material, and have a sticky texture that can make it difficult to expel them from the airway. Dr. Ngan advises against sucking too hard on these toppings as this can push them deeper into the airway and cause coughing or difficulty breathing.

Choking on foreign objects is more common in young children who may not have the knowledge or reflexes to prevent it. To reduce the risk of choking, it is recommended that children eat toppings with a spoon rather than a large straw, chew slowly, and avoid playing while eating. Children should also be supervised by adults during meals and their food should be cut into smaller portions.

If choking occurs on a foreign object, it is crucial to administer first aid promptly to expel the object from the airway before respiratory failure or death occurs. The Heimlich maneuver can be used for adults and children over two years old while younger children may require back patting and chest compressions to dislodge the object. If first aid is unsuccessful seeking medical attention is essential even if the object has been removed.

In conclusion, consuming drinks with sticky toppings like tapioca pearls and jelly can pose a significant risk of choking especially if consumed through large straws at high speeds without proper supervision or care taken during mealtime consumption.

Dr Nguyen Van Ngan advises parents not only to watch out for their children but also themselves when consuming these types of drinks as they could also face similar risks if they consume too quickly or do not pay attention while drinking such drinks.

It’s important for everyone consuming these types of drinks to understand the potential dangers posed by these foods and take necessary precautions before consuming them.