Choking incidents can be frightening, and small red dots often appear on the face afterward. These dots, known as petechiae, are a common physical response to the stress of choking. Understanding their cause can help alleviate concerns.
Understanding Petechiae
Petechiae are small red or purple spots that form when tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, rupture just beneath the skin’s surface. They differ from bruises, which are larger and result from bleeding from larger blood vessels. Unlike a rash, petechiae do not disappear when pressed, maintaining their color due to leaked blood. They are flat to the touch, usually measuring less than 3 millimeters in diameter. Petechiae can appear anywhere on the body, but are often seen on the face, arms, legs, or inside the mouth.
The Mechanism Behind Their Appearance
Petechiae appear on the face after choking due to increased pressure. When a person chokes, forceful efforts to clear the airway, such as coughing or gagging, lead to a sudden and significant increase in pressure in the small blood vessels of the head and neck. This surge in pressure, particularly in the venous system, can overwhelm the delicate capillaries, causing them to break. Blood then leaks from these ruptured capillaries into the surrounding skin, resulting in the visible red dots. This phenomenon is not exclusive to choking and can also occur during other strenuous activities that involve intense straining, such as severe vomiting, prolonged crying, or even forceful coughing fits.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While petechiae caused by choking are often temporary and harmless, the severity of the choking incident is the primary concern. Immediate medical attention is necessary if the choking episode was severe, involved a loss of consciousness, or resulted in prolonged breathing difficulties. Other concerning symptoms include a persistent cough, wheezing, or trouble swallowing after the event.
Petechiae can also indicate other underlying medical conditions unrelated to choking, such as infections or blood disorders. If red dots appear without a clear cause like a choking incident, or if accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, unexplained bruising, or signs of bleeding elsewhere, consulting a medical professional is advised. In a resolved choking episode, the dots are typically benign and fade over time, but vigilance for other symptoms or their persistence is important.