Choking: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues

Regarding choking?

Hello Dr.
Hong,
Recently, while drinking at home, I experienced discomfort and itchiness in my throat after eating fried food and then drinking something cold.
This caused me to feel like I was choking.
At that moment, I couldn't hold it in and ended up vomiting, but I felt like some tapioca pearls went down my throat.
I'm not sure if they went down my esophagus or trachea.
I coughed for a while afterward.
Currently, I do not have a fever or wheezing.
I climbed the stairs from the first to the ninth floor twice without any issues with shortness of breath, chest tightness, or chest pain.
However, I still feel a persistent itchiness in my throat and have a dry cough occasionally.
Should I see a pulmonologist for further examination? After all, the pandemic situation is worsening.
Thank you.

Dai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/13

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description, the human body has mechanisms to prevent choking, such as the epiglottis.
Therefore, unless there is a loss of consciousness, it is unlikely to aspirate into the trachea.
Additionally, since you did not experience any particular discomfort afterward, it is presumed that you did not choke.
It is recommended to seek medical attention only if you experience any discomfort later.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2022/06/13

More Info

When it comes to throat issues, particularly those related to choking or the sensation of something stuck in the throat, it is essential to understand when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it sounds like you experienced a choking incident while eating and drinking, which can be concerning. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to consider in your situation.

Understanding Choking and Its Symptoms
Choking occurs when an object, such as food or a drink, obstructs the airway, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of choking can include:
- Inability to speak or make sounds
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
- Coughing or gagging
- A feeling of tightness in the throat or chest
- Cyanosis (bluish color of the lips or face)
In your case, it seems you were able to cough and expel the food, which is a positive sign. However, the lingering sensation of dryness and irritation in your throat may indicate that some irritation or minor injury occurred during the incident.

When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Persistent Symptoms: If you continue to experience a dry cough, throat irritation, or the sensation of something stuck in your throat for more than a few hours, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Persistent symptoms could indicate that some food particles are still lodged in the throat or esophagus, which may require medical intervention.

2. Difficulty Breathing: If you experience any difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in your chest, you should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more severe obstruction or an allergic reaction.

3. Signs of Infection: If you develop a fever, increased pain, or swelling in the throat, these could be signs of an infection that may require treatment.

4. Changes in Voice or Swallowing: If you notice changes in your voice, such as hoarseness, or if swallowing becomes painful or difficult, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.

Recommendations for Your Situation
Given that you are currently experiencing a dry throat and cough but no severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, you may not need to rush to the hospital immediately. However, it is wise to monitor your symptoms closely. Here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help soothe your throat and keep it moist. Warm teas or broths can be particularly soothing.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, or other irritants that could exacerbate your throat discomfort.

- Humidify the Air: Using a humidifier in your home can help keep the air moist, which may alleviate throat dryness.

- Rest Your Voice: Try to avoid talking too much or straining your voice until your throat feels better.

Follow-Up Care
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they worsen, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider. A visit to a pulmonologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be warranted to rule out any underlying issues, such as inflammation or injury to the throat.

In conclusion, while your current symptoms may not seem severe, it is essential to remain vigilant. If you experience any worsening of your condition or new symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Your health and safety are paramount, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.

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