What are the signs that someone is choking?

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Choking is an airway obstruction, so the signs you look for are clear, urgent cues of trouble breathing. The person will show pronounced difficulty breathing or gasping, may be unable to speak or vocalize, and often clutches at the throat with hands in a universal sign of choking. If the obstruction is severe, the skin can appear blue or dusky from lack of oxygen. This combination—exaggerated or labored breathing, inability to speak, the throat-grabbing gesture, and cyanosis—points to a complete airway blockage that needs immediate action. If they can still cough or speak at all, encourage coughing and monitor closely; if they cannot speak, breathe, or cough effectively, seek emergency help right away and follow your trained first aid steps.