3 min readNew DelhiOct 1, 2024 05:32 PM IST
First published on: Aug 21, 2024 at 12:00 PM IST
Vegetables like raw carrots, nuts, and seeds are widely known as choking hazards for children under the age of five, but did you know that popcorn is also one?
“Eating popcorn can be hazardous to health and increase the risk of choking in children. Popcorn kernels can be hard in texture and small in size making the child aspirate on it. They may try to swallow the kernel without chewing, which could lead to choking,” said Dr Amit P Ghawade, consultant, paediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Mumbai.
Notably, aspiration is a lung infection caused due to inhaling things other than air, such as certain food particles, or saliva.
Popcorn is considered a choking hazard for young children due to its small, hard, and irregularly shaped pieces, which can easily get lodged in a child’s airway. “The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving popcorn to children under four years old, as their chewing and swallowing abilities are not fully developed,” said Dr Vigyan Mishra, chief of lab (pathologist), Neuberg Diagnostics, Noida.
Children as young as five are still learning how to eat and swallow safely, and eating food or snacks like popcorn with unpredictable textures can block their airways while creating panic and distress, added Dr Ghawade.
This can cause respiratory distress such as difficulty in breathing, breathlessness, and coughing. “Popcorn kernels can be particularly dangerous,” stated Dr Mishra.
The symptoms may be silent. “This can cause damage to the lungs and affect the circulation of oxygen in the body,” said Dr Ghawade.
Children can choke on popcorn (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Caregivers must be vigilant about what foods they offer to young children. Dr Mishra further listed other common choking hazards including nuts, whole grapes, hot dogs, hard candies, and chunks of meat or cheese.
“Ensuring that food is cut into small, manageable pieces and teaching children to chew their food well can help mitigate these risks,” said Dr Mishra.
Choose food that is easy to swallow and always closely monitor your children during food time to prevent the risk of choking,” advised Dr Ghawade.
Prevent choking hazards (Source: Freepik) 
Children can choke on popcorn (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
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