What is the most common cause of choking in adults?

The most common cause of choking in adults is food, particularly meat. This is mainly due to the consistency and size of meat pieces, which can easily block the airway if not chewed adequately or if swallowed whole. In many cases, when adults eat hurriedly or engage in conversations while eating, they may not pay close attention to how they chew their food, increasing the risk of choking.

Other common choking hazards such as candy and snacks can also contribute, but they are not as frequently involved as meat. Similarly, while inhalation of foreign objects is a concern, it typically occurs less often in adults compared to choking on food. Liquid ingestion, although it can cause coughing, is less likely to lead to a complete airway obstruction that characterizes choking. Understanding these factors can help in increasing awareness and prevention of choking incidents.