Throat and Trachea Issues: Common Concerns and Solutions

Throat and tracheal issues?

Hello Doctor, after having mung bean soup for dinner today, I felt like something was stuck in my throat, as if a mung bean was lodged there.
After inducing vomiting, although I no longer felt the mung bean, I still have a strange sensation when I spit.
Could this be due to coughing too hard? I read online that it might lead to aspiration pneumonia, which worries me.
My family just told me to drink more water to help with the sensation.
Could you please clarify this for me? Thank you.

Also, sometimes when I eat, it feels like food goes up into my nose, causing me to have a runny nose.
Is this normal? It can be quite annoying at times.
Is there something unusual about my nose?

Fangfang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/08

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if there is no obvious difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing, the strange sensation may be related to throat discomfort caused by inducing vomiting, and it is advisable to self-monitor.
As for the feeling that food sometimes seems to go up into the nose, it may be related to the closure of the nasopharynx and oropharynx.
It is recommended to eat slowly, in small amounts, and to focus on eating, as this can generally lead to gradual improvement.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/03/08

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing some discomfort in your throat after eating, particularly after consuming mung bean soup. This sensation of something being "stuck" in your throat can be quite distressing, and it's understandable to have concerns about potential complications, such as aspiration pneumonia. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

Throat Discomfort and Sensation of Something Stuck
When you eat, especially foods that are more fibrous or have a thicker consistency, it's possible for small particles to get caught in the throat. This can lead to a sensation of something being stuck, which may cause you to cough or even induce vomiting in an attempt to clear it. The act of forceful coughing can sometimes irritate the throat, leading to soreness or a lingering feeling of discomfort.
If you felt the need to vomit to relieve this sensation, it’s possible that the force of the vomiting could have caused some irritation to your throat or esophagus. This irritation can manifest as a feeling of tightness or discomfort, which may persist for a short period. Drinking plenty of water, as your family suggested, is a good way to help soothe the throat and promote healing.

Concerns About Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, liquid, or other substances are inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed into the esophagus. This can lead to infection and serious respiratory issues. If you are concerned about having aspirated any food, it's important to monitor for symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, or chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it would be wise to seek medical attention promptly.

Nasal Discomfort While Eating
Regarding your experience of food seemingly going up into your nasal passages, this can happen if food is swallowed incorrectly or if there is a reflexive action that causes the food to enter the nasal cavity. This is not uncommon and can occur in individuals with certain anatomical variations or if they are eating too quickly.
If this happens frequently, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider, as they can assess for any underlying issues such as nasal obstruction or other anatomical concerns.

Recommendations
1. Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of fluids, as this can help soothe your throat and assist in clearing any residual irritation.

2. Eat Slowly: When consuming food, especially thicker or fibrous items, take your time and chew thoroughly to minimize the risk of choking or discomfort.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms that may arise, particularly those related to breathing or swallowing. If you notice any concerning signs, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional.

4. Consult a Specialist: If the sensation of something being stuck in your throat persists or if you frequently experience food entering your nasal passages, consider consulting an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate interventions.

5. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid irritants such as smoke or strong odors that may exacerbate throat discomfort.

In summary, while your symptoms may be uncomfortable, they are not uncommon and can often be managed with simple measures. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms worsen, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

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