General feature: any object <= 32 mm (1.25 inches) in diameter (Rutherford et al).
Behaviors at the time of aspiration:
(1) chewing or sucking on the object
(2) running or playing with an object in the mouth
(3) suddenly inhaling after being startled, while laughing, etc.
Food is the most common material aspirated:
(1) hot dogs
(2) candy
(3) nuts
(4) grapes
(5) gum
Toys:
(1) small balls
(2) marbles
(3) rubber balloons
(4) toy with small parts
Hardware:
(1) bolt
(2) nail
(3) tacks
Others:
(1) small rocks or stones
Ways to reduce the risk:
(1) adult supervision of small children
(2) keeping small objects out of reach of small children
(3) observing safety warnings on products
(4) purchasing toys that are age appropriate
