A 50-year old chronic alcoholic while having dinner suddenly becomes aphonic and is brought to the casualty with the complaint of respiratory distress. Immediate management should be:
Cricothyroidotomy
Emergency tracheostomy
Humidified oxygen
Heimlich maneuver
The victim may be noticed collapsing over the dining table suddenly after having meals, without any signs of respiratory distress. The name, 'cafe coronary' is a misnomer. The intoxication causes suppression of gag-reflex which makes the individual susceptible to Cafe Coronary. Autopsy reveals a bolus of food in the pharynx or larynx. Cause of death is Asphyxia, followed by reflex cardiac arrest. Heimlich Manoeuvre can prevent choking & Cafe Coronary.
Hanging and strangulation