Throat Discomfort After Choking on Medication

Experiencing discomfort in the throat after choking on medication?

Hello Doctor: Yesterday, while taking my medication, it got stuck in my throat.
I swallowed a large gulp of water, but it didn't go down and I felt a choking sensation.
After that, I still had water in my mouth, and my body reflexively coughed hard, which caused me to swallow the water.
The choking sensation in my throat disappeared, but I didn't feel the medication go down.
I may have been nervous, as my heart rate increased to 110.
Three hours later, before bed, my temperature remained around 37.3 degrees Celsius, and I experienced continuous bloating and burping.
This morning, my temperature returned to 36.5 degrees Celsius, and I continued to drink warm water, but I still feel discomfort and a foreign body sensation in the lower part of my throat (near the middle of my collarbone).
Occasionally, I experience bloating, burping, and the urge to cough.
Although I have read that the likelihood of aspirating into the bronchi is low, there is still a possibility.
Since I work abroad and accessing medical care is difficult, I would like to ask the doctor if my symptoms pose any danger and what precautions I should take moving forward.
I hope the doctor can help clarify my concerns.
Thank you.

Ms. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/05

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Based on your description, it is possible that you may have injured the mucous membrane of your throat while swallowing medication.
Please recall if you accidentally swallowed any part of the foil packaging along with the medication.
If there is a possibility of having ingested foreign material, you should seek medical attention.
If no foreign objects were swallowed, the mucous membrane typically heals in about three days.
Please monitor your symptoms over the next few days; if you notice improvement, it indicates healing.
However, if the swelling and pain in your throat worsen, it is advisable to seek medical care promptly.

Reply Date: 2021/10/05

More Info

Choking on medication can be a distressing experience, and it's understandable that you're feeling anxious about the symptoms you're experiencing afterward. Let's break down your situation and provide some guidance on what you might be dealing with and how to manage it.

When you choked on your medication, it sounds like you experienced a temporary blockage in your throat, which can lead to discomfort and anxiety. The immediate reaction of coughing is your body's natural reflex to clear the airway, and it seems that you were able to swallow the water afterward, which likely helped alleviate the choking sensation. However, the lingering discomfort in your throat and the sensation of an "object" remaining there can be quite common after such an incident.

Symptoms and Their Implications
1. Throat Discomfort: The feeling of discomfort or a lump in the throat (often referred to as "globus sensation") can occur after choking. This sensation may persist due to irritation of the throat tissues from the medication or the forceful coughing. It is generally not a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties.

2. Elevated Heart Rate: Your heart rate of 110 beats per minute could be attributed to anxiety and stress from the choking incident. It's common for people to experience a temporary increase in heart rate when they are anxious or frightened.

3. Temperature: A slight elevation in body temperature (37.3°C) can occur due to stress or mild inflammation but is not typically a sign of a serious issue unless it persists or rises significantly.

4. Bloating and Burping: These symptoms may be related to swallowing air during the choking episode or from anxiety. Stress can also lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and increased burping.

What to Do Next
1. Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of warm fluids, as this can help soothe your throat and aid in digestion. Warm water, herbal teas, or broths can be particularly soothing.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next few days. If the discomfort in your throat persists or worsens, or if you develop new symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or persistent fever, it would be wise to seek medical attention.

3. Relaxation Techniques: Since anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help calm your mind and body.

4. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid smoking, strong odors, or anything that might further irritate your throat.

5. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms do not improve or if you have any concerns about the possibility of the medication entering your airway, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies to ensure that there are no complications.

Conclusion
While choking can be alarming, the symptoms you describe are not uncommon and often resolve with time and self-care. However, if you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your well-being.

Similar Q&A

Choking on Medication: When to Seek Emergency Care?

If you accidentally choked while taking medication and are experiencing pain in the left side of your chest 15 minutes later, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. The pain could be a result of irritation or inflammation in the esophagus or a potential aspiration of t...

Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you choke on water or liquid, as long as you cough it out immediately, there should be no problem. However, if it enters the trachea, there may be a risk of aspiration pneumonia. If you experience persistent chest pain, or even have fever, chills, or productive cough, i...

Concerns About Choking on Medication: What to Know for Safe Swallowing

Hello Doctor: On the evening of February 16th, around 7:30 PM, I took an allergy medication. I usually have difficulty swallowing pills and tend to crush them, but there is one medication, Strocain, which is a gastric medication that I cannot crush because it causes oral numbness...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: When the trachea encounters a foreign object, it typically responds by coughing to expel the object. The likelihood of medication entering the trachea is very low, and usually, there will be persistent coughing for 1-2 days.

Choking on Medication: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For

About an hour ago, I accidentally swallowed a pill that got stuck on the right side of my throat. At that moment, I felt difficulty breathing along with coughing. Later, I drank water to push the pill down. Is it possible that I accidentally pushed it into my trachea? What sympto...

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. The medication will not be pushed into the trachea; if it were to enter the trachea, your coughing would become more severe rather than alleviating. Therefore, the medication has already reached your stomach, so there is no need to worry. This ...

How to Handle a Choking Sensation After Accidental Ingestion

Recently, I have a puppy at home and noticed that it has ticks. However, when I applied the medication, I forgot to wear a mask. After applying the medication, I washed my hands and cleaned up, but I felt something strange in my throat, as if there was something hard lodged in it...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it does not seem like an accidental ingestion. Additionally, whether it is a tick or any other object you came into contact with, the likelihood of it getting stuck in your throat is very low unless it is something sharp like a fishbone. I sugges...