Choking and Forceful Swallowing: Risks and Remedies for Throat Issues

Q: Choking and Forceful Swallowing: Risks and Remedies for Throat Issues

Hello： If there is a concern about foreign body aspiration, it is recommended to visit the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department and the Pulmonology department for evaluation. <br>If symptoms such as persistent cough or fever occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. <br>

Forceful swallowing after a choking cough?

Hello Doctor: A few days ago, while eating peanuts as a snack and joking around, I accidentally inhaled some fragments and choked.
It felt like the worst choking experience ever.
I felt like there was a foreign object lodged deep in my throat near the vocal cords, and I kept having reflexive coughing.
I could barely speak (hoarse voice) and continued to have choking coughs, along with difficulty swallowing and a sensation of suffocation.
Because it was so uncomfortable, I was worried that the foreign object might go deeper into my vocal cords, so I kept forcing myself to swallow, even though it was difficult.
Eventually, the choking coughs stopped, but afterward, I started experiencing tightness in my throat and shoulders, strange sensations when swallowing, nasal congestion, and a feeling of respiratory obstruction.

Doctor, what happens if I keep forcing myself to swallow when choking or if a foreign object is lodged in my vocal cords without coughing it out? What kind of throat injury could occur if I suddenly swallow while coughing? Is it necessary to undergo a bronchoscopy to remove the foreign object for improvement? I found online that bronchoscopy might have side effects.
Do I really need to have this procedure?

Xiao Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/11

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: If there is a concern about foreign body aspiration, it is recommended to visit the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department and the Pulmonology department for evaluation.
If symptoms such as persistent cough or fever occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/04/11

More Info

Choking and the sensation of having something lodged in the throat can be distressing experiences. When you accidentally inhale food, such as peanuts, it can lead to a reflexive coughing response as your body tries to expel the foreign object. However, if the object does not dislodge, it can cause a range of symptoms, including hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of tightness or obstruction in the throat.

Risks of Forceful Swallowing and Coughing
When you experience choking, your instinct may be to forcefully swallow in an attempt to clear the obstruction. However, this can lead to several potential complications:
1. Increased Risk of Aspiration: If you are coughing and then attempt to swallow, there is a risk that the food particles could be pushed further down into the airway instead of being expelled. This could lead to aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious condition that occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs.

2. Throat Injury: Forceful swallowing can cause trauma to the throat, including irritation or injury to the mucosal lining. This can lead to inflammation, which may exacerbate the sensation of something being stuck in your throat.

3. Vocal Cord Damage: If the object is lodged near the vocal cords, excessive coughing or forceful swallowing can lead to strain or injury to the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness or voice changes.

4. Psychological Impact: The experience of choking can lead to anxiety about eating or swallowing in the future, which can create a cycle of fear and avoidance that may affect your overall eating habits and quality of life.

Symptoms to Monitor
After the initial choking incident, it is important to monitor your symptoms. The tightness in your throat, neck tension, and difficulty swallowing could indicate residual irritation or inflammation. If you experience any of the following, it is advisable to seek medical attention:
- Persistent difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in your throat that does not improve.

- Severe pain or discomfort in the throat.

- Difficulty breathing or wheezing.

- Fever or signs of infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be necessary to consult a healthcare professional. A laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy (the procedure you mentioned) may be warranted to visualize the throat and airways and to remove any foreign objects if they are present. While there are risks associated with these procedures, such as bleeding or infection, they are generally safe and can provide relief from symptoms.

Remedies and Management
In the meantime, here are some strategies to manage your symptoms:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help soothe the throat and keep it lubricated. Warm teas or broths can be particularly soothing.

2. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that could exacerbate throat discomfort.

3. Gentle Gargles: Gargling with warm salt water may help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.

4. Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate throat tightness. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle neck stretches may help alleviate tension.

5. Soft Foods: If swallowing is uncomfortable, consider consuming soft foods that are easier to swallow until your symptoms improve.

Conclusion
Choking can lead to a variety of complications, and while forceful swallowing may seem like a quick fix, it can potentially worsen the situation. If your symptoms do not resolve, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation to ensure that there are no lingering issues that require intervention. Always prioritize your health and well-being, and do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance.

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