Throat Discomfort and Chest Tightness After Inhalation - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Throat discomfort and chest tightness following an incident of inhalation can be concerning and may indicate a variety of underlying issues. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a choking sensation while eating, which led to a series of symptoms including difficulty swallowing, muscle tightness, dizziness, and chest pain.
When you inhaled food or a foreign object, it likely triggered a reflexive cough response, which is the body's natural mechanism to expel irritants from the airway. However, if the object did not fully exit the airway, it could lead to inflammation or irritation of the throat and surrounding structures, which may explain the discomfort you are feeling. The sensation of having something stuck in your throat, known as "globus sensation," can occur even after the object has been cleared, due to residual inflammation or muscle tension.

The tightness in the muscles from your chin to your collarbone could be a result of muscle strain from excessive coughing or from the stress and anxiety associated with the choking incident. This muscle tension can contribute to discomfort during swallowing, as you described. Additionally, the dizziness and tightness in the back of your head may be related to tension headaches or anxiety, which can occur in response to stressful situations.

Your chest pain, particularly the spasms in the lower rib area, could be due to a few factors. It may be related to muscle strain from coughing or the stress response your body is experiencing. The sensation of not being able to take a deep breath could also be linked to anxiety or a feeling of tightness in the chest, which can occur after a choking incident.

Regarding your question about whether the foreign object could still be causing these symptoms, it is possible that residual inflammation or irritation from the initial incident is contributing to your discomfort. However, since imaging studies such as chest X-rays and CT scans of the throat did not reveal any foreign objects, it is likely that the immediate threat has passed, but the body may still be reacting to the event.

As for the concern about suppressing the cough reflex, it is generally advisable to allow the body to cough when it feels the need to do so. Suppressing this reflex can lead to increased irritation and inflammation in the throat and lungs. If you feel the urge to cough, it is usually best to let it happen, unless it is causing significant distress or pain.

In terms of the term "煞到" (shà dào), it is often used in Taiwanese Hokkien to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed or in distress, which could relate to your experience of discomfort and anxiety following the choking incident.

In conclusion, while it seems that the immediate danger of inhalation has passed, the symptoms you are experiencing may be due to residual inflammation, muscle tension, or anxiety. It is important to follow up with a healthcare provider, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. They may recommend further evaluation or treatment options to help alleviate your discomfort and address any underlying issues.