Health expert warns of choking risks from ingesting small amounts of food

MANILA, Philippines — An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor urged the public to be careful when ingesting small amounts of  food that could cause aspiration, following the death of an 11-year-old athlete after choking while eating during his participation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (BARMMAA) Meet 2026. In an exclusive interview with The Manila Times on Wednesday, Dr. Jenina Escalderon said that aspiration, or the accidental inhalation of food into the airways, occurs quickly and unexpectedly—especially when food is not properly chewed or prepared. “The most common cause of choking is taking in small amounts of food that are not properly chopped. These pellet-sized or finger-sized pieces can easily pass through the airway and into the lungs, especially if a person is eating in a hurry,” Escalderon explained. She further warned that athletes were more susceptible to the incident, as they may instinctively consume large amounts of water, which can overwhelm the body’s swallowing reflex.

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