Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Choking issues?

Hello, doctor.
While I was having dinner, I suddenly felt the urge to talk and laugh, and it seemed like the food I had just chewed suddenly slipped down.
I also felt like something was running up to my nose, but I didn't cough immediately.
After eating a few more bites, I felt uncomfortable and then coughed and blew my nose, trying to expel the food, but I couldn't do it right away.
Later, I drank some water to help induce vomiting.
Now, when I cough forcefully, I feel a slight pain in the middle of my chest, slightly to the right, but it was only at the beginning; now it seems to have subsided.
However, I have developed a sensation of a foreign body in my throat.
Although I don't have many symptoms now, I only feel a slight pain when I cough intentionally, and I still have this strange feeling of something in my throat.
I'm worried that this might lead to aspiration pneumonia; I read online that choking on peanuts can cause aspiration pneumonia.
With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, I'm a bit concerned.
I would like to ask the doctor what symptoms I should be cautious about.
I plan to see an ENT specialist tomorrow; will the doctor check my lungs, or do I need to go to a larger hospital? My family says I shouldn't scare myself since I don't have any symptoms.
I hope to get your advice, thank you.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/30

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, the human body has certain physiological structures, such as the epiglottis, that help prevent choking.
Therefore, even if young people choke, the likelihood of food entering the airway is low.
Additionally, since you have not experienced persistent coughing or symptoms of aspiration pneumonia, the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia is very low.
It is recommended to seek medical attention if you have any symptoms.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2022/08/30

More Info

Choking hazards can be a serious concern, especially when eating or drinking. It sounds like you experienced a moment of choking or near-choking while eating dinner, which can lead to anxiety about potential complications, such as aspiration pneumonia. Let’s break down your symptoms and provide some guidance on when to seek medical help.

Symptoms of Choking and Aspiration
When someone chokes, they may experience a range of symptoms, including:
1. Inability to speak or cough: This is a classic sign of a complete airway obstruction.

2. Gagging or coughing: These are reflex actions to clear the airway.

3. Wheezing or difficulty breathing: This can occur if food or liquid partially obstructs the airway.

4. Chest pain or discomfort: This may happen if the food has caused irritation or injury to the esophagus or trachea.

5. Feeling of something stuck in the throat: This sensation can persist even after the initial choking incident.

6. Nasal regurgitation: If food or liquid goes up into the nasal passages, it can cause discomfort and a feeling of blockage.

Your Experience
From your description, it seems that you had a moment where food may have lodged in your throat, leading to discomfort and a sensation of something stuck. The fact that you were able to cough and eventually clear your throat is a positive sign, but the lingering sensation of an "odd foreign body" in your throat and mild chest pain warrants attention.

When to Seek Help
You mentioned that you plan to see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, which is a good first step. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical help:
- Persistent Symptoms: If the sensation of something stuck in your throat continues for more than a few hours or worsens.

- Difficulty Breathing: If you experience any shortness of breath, wheezing, or if your breathing becomes labored.

- Chest Pain: If the chest pain increases or is accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, nausea, or dizziness.

- Fever or Cough: If you develop a fever or a persistent cough, especially if it produces phlegm that is discolored or has a foul smell, this could indicate aspiration pneumonia.

Diagnostic Approach
When you visit the ENT, they will likely perform a thorough examination of your throat and may use a flexible endoscope to visualize your esophagus and airway. If there is a concern about aspiration pneumonia, they may recommend a chest X-ray or CT scan to assess your lungs.

Conclusion
While it’s understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms, especially in light of your concerns about aspiration pneumonia, it’s important to approach this situation calmly. The fact that you are planning to see a specialist is a proactive step. In the meantime, try to stay hydrated and avoid foods that are difficult to swallow until you have been evaluated.
If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and Management of Aspiration

If you accidentally choke while drinking water and cough, it's important to be aware of the potential risks. If a foreign object, such as a piece of glass, were to enter the lungs, it could lead to symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. However, if the objec...

Dr. Chen Junwei reply Pulmonology
Typically, if someone experiences choking, they should first consult an otolaryngologist to check for any structural abnormalities. If functional deterioration is found, a referral to a rehabilitation specialist may be appropriate. If the sensation of food being stuck is felt bel...

Understanding Choking: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Wu, I have a situation. A few days ago, I drank beef noodle soup in the evening and added some chili, which caused my throat to become sensitive. Since then, I have been feeling that my breathing is not smooth, and I can feel my breathing rate at all times. Sometimes, I...

Dr. Wu Yingxun reply Pulmonology
Hello: Please first have a chest X-ray and then perform pulmonary function tests.

Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing excessive saliva production, which often leads me to swallow saliva frequently. Recently, I have been feeling a sudden sensation of something stuck in my throat while swallowing, making it difficult to breathe. I also experience a choking se...

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine
Bean sprouts: It may be caused by a foreign body in the throat. It is recommended to follow up with an examination at an otolaryngology clinic. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Jianling, Department of Family Medicine, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

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...