What is the recommended action if a choking adult is unable to cough?

When an adult is choking and is unable to cough, this indicates that their airway is severely obstructed. In this scenario, performing abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, is the recommended action. This technique is designed to create an artificial cough that can help to force the object blocking the airway out. By applying quick, upward thrusts just above the navel, a significant amount of air can be displaced from the lungs, which often can expel the object causing the choke.

Encouraging the individual to cough harder or giving back blows would be inappropriate since they are unable to cough effectively in the first place. Both of these options rely on the person having some ability to expel air, which is not the case when the airway is completely obstructed. Checking the airway may be a step in some scenarios, but if the person is visibly unable to breathe and showing signs of distress, immediate action must be taken instead of assessing the situation further. Thus, the focus should be immediately on performing abdominal thrusts.