Choking is the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs. Choking prevents
breathing, and can be partial or complete, with partial choking allowing some, although inadequate, flow of air into the lungs. Prolonged or complete choking results in
asphyxia which leads to
anoxia and is potentially fatal. Oxygen stored in the blood and lungs can keep a person alive for several minutes after breathing stops.