Pediatricians warn grapes can easily block a child's airways

Grapes have an increased risk of suffocation in children
Grapes are delicious, almost fat-free and contain many healthy ingredients. But doctors are warning now that grapes are ideal for blocking the airway of a young child. The fruits are the third most common cause of food-related fatal asphyxia.

The experts found that grapes are the ideal size and texture to block the airways of young children. The consumption of these fruits increases the risk of suffocation of young children massively.

Grapes are tasty and healthy. But only very few people know that grapes also have one of the highest risks of suffocation in young children. (Image: guy / fotolia.com)

Grapes ranked third in the suffocation of children
When it comes to suffocation of young children, food grapes are high on the list. To be precise, they are in third place, behind hot dogs and sweets, doctors warn the newspaper "Independent".

Need food warnings?
There is a widespread awareness of the existing suffocation risk that comes from small toys, explain the authors. But there are no routine warnings on most foods. Perhaps this circumstance should be reconsidered in the future for grapes and similar foods.

Grapes can perfectly seal the throat of a child
The popular watery fruits can lead to an increased risk of asphyxiation, compared to some small hard objects or food. The fault is their smooth deformable surface. This rather forms a kind of perfect seal in the throat of a child than rigid objects, the authors of the report explain. Jamie Cooper and dr. Amy Lumsden.

Swallowed grapes are difficult to remove by the Heimlich handle
Grapes are not only ideal for causing a disability in the pediatric respiratory tract. The flexible and pliable nature of the fruit also makes it very difficult to remove them through a first-aid maneuver, the experts explain.

Examples of cases in which grapes have blocked the respiratory tract in children:
The report cited three different case studies, including a 17-month-old boy who ate sandwiches and fruits with his family at home. This incident is a testament to the dangers of choosing our snacks, explain the physicians. This did not happen in a second incident with a two-year-old child, although the so-called Heimlich-Griff was used to clear the airways. Fortunately, the child recovered after a called paramedic performed a direct laryngoscopy, the doctors add.

The grape danger is unknown to many parents
There is a general awareness of the need to monitor children eating. Especially when the children get small solid items or food, the parents should keep an eye on their offspring, advise the experts. But very few parents know about the dangers of grapes and other similar foods.

Halve or quarter grapes and similar foods
Parents are advised to halve or quadruple grapes or similar foods such as cherry tomatoes. Thus, a fatal suffocation can be avoided, stress the doctors. (As)