the Risks of Choking: What You Need to Know

Choking risk?

Hello, doctor.
I've been having a cold for the past few days and visited an ENT specialist last week.
The doctor mentioned that I had a mild cold and prescribed some medication for me.
While eating udon noodles, I suddenly felt like I choked on the slippery noodles, and after coughing a couple of times, I felt something strange in my throat and ended up vomiting a bit of the noodles in the restroom.
I would like to ask if this could lead to aspiration into the bronchi and potentially cause pneumonia.
Although I currently don't have any lung pain or persistent coughing, my throat feels a bit like there's something in it.
I'm not sure if this is just a lingering effect of the cold, as I still have two days' worth of medication left.
I apologize for asking such a strange question, and thank you for your help.

Lingling, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/18

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Hello! 1.
Based on your description, if you experience persistent coughing, a sensation of foreign body in the chest, pain below the rib cage, or even a high fever after choking, you should seek medical attention promptly.
2.
However, since each individual's constitution varies, online consultations may not provide accurate answers.
If you have concerns, it is advisable to consult with a family medicine or otolaryngology specialist for proper evaluation and treatment by a physician.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2020/05/18

More Info

Choking can be a serious concern, especially when it involves food entering the airway. It’s understandable to feel anxious after experiencing a choking sensation, particularly when you are already feeling unwell due to a cold. Let’s break down the situation and address your concerns regarding the risk of choking and potential complications such as pneumonia.

When you mentioned that you felt a sudden sensation of choking while eating udon noodles, it’s important to recognize that this can happen to anyone, especially if the food is slippery or if one is eating too quickly. The act of coughing, as you did, is a natural reflex that helps to clear the airway. If you were able to cough out the noodle, that is a positive sign, as it indicates that your body was able to respond appropriately to the obstruction.

In terms of the risk of food entering the lungs (aspiration), it is crucial to understand that not every instance of choking leads to aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or liquid goes into the trachea and subsequently into the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. However, if you were able to expel the food and are not experiencing significant symptoms such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, the likelihood of having aspirated food is low.

You mentioned feeling an odd sensation in your throat, which could be attributed to several factors. It might be a lingering effect of the choking incident, irritation from coughing, or even a symptom of your ongoing cold. The throat can feel sensitive or have a sensation of an "object" present, especially when one is recovering from an upper respiratory infection.
Given that you are still on medication for your cold, it is advisable to continue taking your prescribed medications as directed. If your symptoms persist or worsen—such as developing a fever, experiencing chest pain, or having difficulty breathing—it would be prudent to seek medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition, including pneumonia.

To summarize, while the experience of choking can be alarming, the immediate response of coughing is a protective mechanism. If you were able to clear the obstruction and are not exhibiting severe symptoms, the risk of developing pneumonia is low. However, if you continue to feel discomfort or if new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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