Post-Choking Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Breathing Issues

Q: Post-Choking Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Breathing Issues

Hello： It is possible that the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract have been irritated by spicy soup. <br>It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist first!

Post-aspiration complications?

Hello, Dr.
Yang.
Recently, I choked on some spicy soup, which went down the wrong way and caused me to swallow it back down.
After two or three days, I visited a clinic for a check-up, and the doctor did not detect any foreign body.
Currently, I do not have symptoms such as coughing, excessive phlegm, or fever; I just feel that my breathing is not smooth.
It's not difficult or rapid, and I can breathe without wheezing during exercise.
However, I feel aware of my breathing frequency all the time, both inhaling and exhaling.
Which specialty should I consult for further examination? Should I see a pulmonologist or a psychiatrist? I'm uncertain about where the issue lies.
Thank you.

Awei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/19

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello: It is possible that the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract have been irritated by spicy soup.
It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist first!

Reply Date: 2020/09/19

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the symptoms you are experiencing after a choking incident. It’s understandable to feel anxious when faced with breathing difficulties, especially after an event that could potentially lead to complications. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a sensation of discomfort in your breathing, but without acute symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, or fever.
Choking can lead to a variety of post-event symptoms, including irritation of the airways, inflammation, or even anxiety about breathing. In your case, since you mentioned that you have not experienced any acute respiratory distress or significant coughing, it is possible that your symptoms may be related to irritation of the throat or anxiety stemming from the choking incident.

When to See a Specialist
1. Persistent Symptoms: If your breathing discomfort persists beyond a few days or worsens, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Given that you have already seen a doctor who did not find any immediate issues, you may want to consider a follow-up if your symptoms do not improve.

2. Specialist Referral: Based on your symptoms, you should consider seeing an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist first. They can evaluate your throat and airways for any residual irritation or inflammation that may have resulted from the choking incident. They may perform a laryngoscopy to visually inspect your throat and vocal cords.

3. Pulmonology Consultation: If the ENT specialist does not find any abnormalities, and your breathing discomfort continues, a referral to a pulmonologist may be warranted. They can conduct further tests, such as pulmonary function tests or imaging studies, to assess your lung function and rule out any underlying respiratory issues.

4. Psychological Evaluation: If your symptoms are primarily anxiety-related, which can manifest as a heightened awareness of your breathing or a sensation of breathlessness, consulting a mental health professional may also be beneficial. They can help you address any anxiety or stress that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Additional Considerations
- Breathing Exercises: In the meantime, practicing relaxation techniques and controlled breathing exercises may help alleviate some of your discomfort. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing can be beneficial.

- Avoid Irritants: Ensure that you are avoiding any potential irritants, such as smoke, strong odors, or allergens, which could exacerbate your symptoms.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you start to experience any new symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or significant changes in your ability to breathe, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion
In summary, given your current symptoms following a choking incident, starting with an ENT specialist is a prudent choice. They can help determine if there are any physical issues that need to be addressed. If necessary, you can then be referred to a pulmonologist or a mental health professional based on the findings. Remember, it’s important to advocate for your health and seek further evaluation if you feel your symptoms are not improving.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon.

Best regards.

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