The “Choking Game” Is Anything But a Game

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While we have previously published articles on the “choking game” and awareness of pediatricians about this form of asphyxia as a serious risk-taking behavior, we have not had information on the prevalence of this game – until now. Ramowski et al., (doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-2482) using a cross-sectional survey of more than 5,000 eighth graders, found a disturbing rate of a little more than 6% played this very dangerous “game” -- which is anything but. In that 6%, most participated more than once in association with other risk-taking behaviors. If eighth graders are playing the choking game, one can only imagine the prevalence at older ages. If you have not asked your teen patients what they know or whether they are playing it, you may be missing a chance to win this game by convincing your patients not to play it. Read this important study to learn more.