Sneezing and Its Potential Risks During Meals

Q: Sneezing and Its Potential Risks During Meals

Hello： If there is no obvious choking cough when a foreign object is inhaled, and there are no subsequent symptoms such as persistent fever or cough, it is less likely to be aspiration pneumonia. <br>You may observe yourself for now, but if any of the aforementioned symptoms appe

The possibility of choking while sneezing?

Hello, doctor.
While I was eating, my nose suddenly became very itchy, and I felt like I needed to sneeze but couldn't.
At that moment, I had taken a bite of white rice and felt a sensation of something briefly going down my throat.
I'm not sure if it went into my nasal cavity.
Later, when I blew my nose, nothing came out, but I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my right upper back, which is still somewhat present, although it’s more noticeable when I straighten my chest.
Could this be due to a grain of rice going into my lungs, and could it lead to pneumonia or similar issues? Or is it just a muscle strain? My brother mentioned that it might just be muscle or bone pain.
I only felt the urge to sneeze but couldn't, and I’m worried that the rice might have gone in.
Although I don't have a persistent cough, I'm concerned about potential dangers, so I wanted to ask you.
Thank you!

Zhi Zhi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/24

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: If there is no obvious choking cough when a foreign object is inhaled, and there are no subsequent symptoms such as persistent fever or cough, it is less likely to be aspiration pneumonia.
You may observe yourself for now, but if any of the aforementioned symptoms appear later, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.
Wishing you safety and health.
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi.

Reply Date: 2020/04/24

More Info

Sneezing is a reflex action that helps clear irritants from the nasal passages. It can occur due to various triggers, including allergens, irritants, or even during meals when food particles or strong smells stimulate the nasal mucosa. In your case, it seems that you experienced a sensation of needing to sneeze while eating, which can sometimes happen when food irritates the throat or nasal passages.

When you mentioned feeling a sensation of food potentially going down the wrong pipe, it raises a concern about aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus, which can lead to coughing, choking, or even aspiration pneumonia if the material reaches the lungs. However, it is important to note that not every instance of food entering the airway results in aspiration pneumonia. The body has protective mechanisms, such as coughing, to help expel foreign materials.

In your situation, if you did not experience significant coughing or choking after the sensation of food entering your throat, it is less likely that you aspirated food into your lungs. The pain you felt in your back could be related to muscle strain or tension, especially if you were in an awkward position while eating or if you tensed up due to the sensation of needing to sneeze. Muscle pain can often mimic other types of discomfort, and it is not uncommon to feel soreness in the back after sudden movements or awkward postures.

If you are concerned about the possibility of aspiration, it is essential to monitor for symptoms such as persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or fever, which could indicate an infection or aspiration pneumonia. If these symptoms develop, it would be prudent to seek medical attention promptly.

In terms of your immediate discomfort, if the pain in your back persists or worsens, consider gentle stretching, applying heat to the area, or over-the-counter pain relief if appropriate. If the pain continues or you have any other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

In summary, while the sensation you experienced during your meal can be alarming, it is likely not a cause for significant concern if you did not have any immediate adverse reactions. However, staying vigilant for any developing symptoms is crucial. If you have ongoing worries about your respiratory health or any other symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further assessment and peace of mind.

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