How can someone typically identify if another person is choking?

When someone is choking, a common physical reaction is to grasp at their throat. This universal sign is indicative of a person’s inability to breathe properly, often due to an obstruction in their airway. The act of holding the throat signals distress and the need for immediate assistance, as the individual is typically unable to communicate verbally.

While coughing can sometimes be a response to choking, and pointing to food may indicate where the problem originates, these reactions are less definitive compared to the clear, instinctive gesture of placing hands around the throat. This specific action is a well-recognized signal that indicates an individual is in a critical situation and requires help.