Choking occurs when an object gets stuck in the throat, blocking airflow to the lungs. Common causes are slippery, round foods like hot dogs and grapes, as well as nuts, thick foods like peanut butter, and objects becoming trapped when talking or laughing while eating. Someone who is choking will look alarmed and unable to speak, cough, or breathe. If not treated, they can lose consciousness and die of suffocation within four minutes. When choking is suspected, emergency services should be called immediately while performing abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.