Choking Hazards: What to Do After Food Goes Down the Wrong Pipe

Q: Choking Hazards: What to Do After Food Goes Down the Wrong Pipe

Dear Ms. <br>Mo：<br>1. <br>Aspiration pneumonia refers to a bacterial infection of the lungs caused by the inhalation of harmful gases, liquids, or solid particles, leading to mechanical obstruction and chemical injury; it often results in bronchopneumonia. <br>This condition is

Suspected aspiration?

Hello, Doctor.
While eating corn, I suddenly felt uncomfortable as if something had gone into my nasal cavity.
It felt like it slipped down, and I wasn't sure if I swallowed it.
I coughed a couple of times, feeling like I choked a bit.
Afterwards, I had a sensation of a foreign body in my throat.
When I looked in the mirror, it seemed like it was just an illusion caused by my tongue touching the uvula while I was trying to clear my throat, or perhaps I was just overly concerned and tense after that.
I would like to ask if food could accidentally lead to aspiration pneumonia in this situation.
I recently saw discussions in my family group about similar incidents, which made me a bit worried.
Also, would drinking more water help alleviate this sensation? I still feel like there's something in my throat, and I'm afraid it might enter my trachea and cause pneumonia.
Thank you.

Mo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/20

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
Mo:
1.
Aspiration pneumonia refers to a bacterial infection of the lungs caused by the inhalation of harmful gases, liquids, or solid particles, leading to mechanical obstruction and chemical injury; it often results in bronchopneumonia.
This condition is most commonly seen in patients who are drowning, intoxicated, comatose, or weakened.
The substances most frequently aspirated include contaminated water, gastric contents, and food.
Patients with esophageal or neurological disorders are also at a higher risk for developing aspiration pneumonia.
If pneumonia is caused by the inhalation of fatty substances, it is termed lipid pneumonia.
2.
In healthy individuals, even a small amount of food, saliva, or liquid entering the trachea can trigger a strong cough reflex to expel the foreign material.
However, corn fragments or husks that you have eaten may become lodged in your nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, or upper esophagus, causing a sensation of foreign body presence.
Drinking water or waiting a while may help the food to pass into the esophagus and then into the stomach.
3.
If there is no improvement after some time, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to rule out any other underlying causes.

Reply Date: 2020/04/20

More Info

When it comes to choking hazards and the potential for aspiration pneumonia, it's important to understand the anatomy of swallowing and the body's response to foreign objects entering the airway. When you eat, food travels down the esophagus, which is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. However, if food accidentally enters the trachea (the windpipe), it can lead to choking or aspiration, which is when food or liquid enters the lungs instead of the stomach.

In your case, it sounds like you experienced a moment of discomfort while eating corn, which may have caused you to cough and feel as though something was stuck in your throat. This sensation can be quite alarming, especially if you are concerned about the possibility of aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, liquid, or other foreign materials are inhaled into the lungs, leading to inflammation and infection.

The good news is that not every incident of coughing or feeling like food is stuck will lead to aspiration pneumonia. The body's natural reflexes, such as coughing, are designed to help clear the airway. If you coughed and were able to expel any food particles, the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia decreases significantly. However, if you continue to feel discomfort or a sensation of something being stuck in your throat, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Drinking water can help alleviate the sensation of something being stuck in your throat. It can help wash down any residual food particles and soothe the throat. However, if you are experiencing persistent discomfort or if you have difficulty breathing, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
To minimize the risk of choking in the future, consider the following tips:
1. Eat Slowly: Take your time while eating and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing. This is especially important with foods that can be difficult to chew, such as corn.

2. Avoid Distractions: Try to avoid talking or laughing while eating, as this can increase the risk of food entering the airway.

3. Stay Upright: Maintain an upright position while eating and for a short period afterward to help food go down smoothly.

4. Know the Signs: Be aware of the signs of choking, which include difficulty breathing, coughing, or a feeling of tightness in the throat. If someone is choking and cannot cough or speak, it may require immediate intervention, such as the Heimlich maneuver.

In conclusion, while the sensation of something stuck in your throat can be uncomfortable and concerning, it does not automatically mean you will develop aspiration pneumonia. Drinking water can help, and if symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. Taking preventive measures while eating can significantly reduce the risk of choking and aspiration in the future.

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