chokes

Chokes, the plural form of choke, may refer to several distinct concepts. In technical contexts, a choke is a device or mechanism used to regulate the air–fuel mixture in engines, or to a method that throttles airflow. In medical contexts, choking refers to the obstruction of the airway by a foreign object or tissue, which can be life-threatening. The term is also used in safety discussions as a choking hazard.

Mechanical chokes: In internal-combustion engines, a choke narrows the air intake to enrich the fuel mixture during cold starting. Early carburetors used manual chokes—a lever or knob that keeps the choke plate closed until the engine warms. Modern engines generally replace a manual choke with automatic chokes: electric or thermo-resistive mechanisms that open the choke plate as the engine warms, or with electronic fuel-injection systems that do not employ a traditional choke. A failing choke can cause hard starting, rough idling, or rich running.

Maintenance and failures: The choke assembly includes a choke plate, a shaft, and linkages that must move freely. Dirt, corrosion, or binding can cause sticking, leading to poor starting or stalling. Regular inspection and cleaning are common maintenance tasks, and replacement is needed for worn linkages or a warped choke plate.

Medical choking: Choking occurs when the airway is blocked by a foreign object or swelling. If the person is coughing forcefully, allow continued coughing and call for help if needed. If breathing is blocked or the person cannot speak, emergency services should be contacted and first aid measured according to local guidelines, such as back blows and abdominal thrusts in appropriate protocol. Prevention focuses on avoiding small objects for children, proper food preparation, and supervision.