Warning Issued Over 'Choking Game'

Doctors have issued a warning for people to be aware of the dangers associated with what is known as the "choking game".

The activity usually involves boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 16 putting pressure, either on their own or their friend's throat, until they almost pass out.

The warning to parents and young people comes as a teenage boy remains in a serious condition in hospital after such an incident, RTÉ has reported.

The boy, who is understood to be in his early teens, was unconscious and in a critical condition when he was admitted to a paediatric hospital in Dublin.

It later discovered he had been involved in a choking or fainting game.

Doctors say the activity can lead to irreversible brain damage, or in some cases, death.

In America, more than 80 people have died as a result of the practice.

(JP/CD)