Choking on Food: Coughing, Phlegm, and Chest Discomfort

Choking with excessive phlegm?

Hello, doctor.
A couple of days ago (on May 24), while eating a hamburger and drinking milk tea, I was talking to a colleague and accidentally choked.
I felt embarrassed to cough it out, so I swallowed hard and then went to the restroom to cough for a while (I might have been too nervous, which made my heart race).
For the past two days, I've felt slight discomfort in my chest: 1.
Mild pain in my chest and back 2.
Increased phlegm (but currently no yellow phlegm) 3.
My voice has become hoarse (the phlegm seems to increase after eating).
I would like to ask if this could potentially lead to pneumonia? Should I see a doctor (maybe get an X-ray?), or is it more likely just a common cold (though the symptoms started after the choking incident)? Thank you for your response!

bn, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/26

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing throat inflammation and hoarseness due to the process.
The inhalation cough may indicate that a small foreign body has entered the respiratory tract, and the ability of the respiratory system to handle the foreign body will determine the outcome.
In some cases, this can progress to aspiration pneumonia.
For the chest pain, please observe whether it is caused by severe coughing leading to thoracic vibrations or if there are other reasons.
It is advisable to drink warm water to help expel secretions more quickly.
If you have any concerns, I recommend visiting a pulmonologist for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/05/26

More Info

Choking on food can lead to a variety of symptoms, including coughing, phlegm production, and chest discomfort. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a choking incident while eating a hamburger and drinking milk tea, which resulted in a series of symptoms that have persisted for a couple of days. Let’s break down your symptoms and concerns.

1. Choking Incident: When food enters the airway instead of the esophagus, it can cause a reflexive cough as the body attempts to expel the obstruction. If you swallowed hard instead of coughing, it might have caused irritation in your throat and airways, leading to inflammation.

2. Chest Discomfort and Pain: The discomfort in your chest and back could be due to several factors. It could be a result of the irritation from the choking incident, muscle strain from coughing, or even anxiety related to the choking experience. If the pain is mild and not accompanied by severe symptoms (like shortness of breath or radiating pain), it may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

3. Phlegm Production: The increase in phlegm, especially after eating, could indicate that your body is responding to the irritation in your throat or airways. This is a common response to choking, as the body produces mucus to help trap and expel irritants. The fact that your phlegm is not yellow suggests that there may not be an active infection, but it’s important to monitor any changes in color or consistency.

4. Hoarseness: Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness, can occur due to irritation of the vocal cords or throat. This can happen after a choking incident, especially if you were coughing forcefully or straining your voice.

5. Risk of Pneumonia: While your symptoms could be concerning, the likelihood of developing pneumonia from a single choking incident is relatively low, especially if you are not experiencing fever, chills, or significant respiratory distress. However, if food or liquid were aspirated (inhaled into the lungs), there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia, which can develop days after the incident. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia typically include fever, cough with phlegm, and difficulty breathing.

6. When to Seek Medical Attention: Given that your symptoms began after the choking incident and have persisted for a couple of days, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend a physical examination and possibly imaging studies like a chest X-ray to rule out any complications, such as aspiration pneumonia or other respiratory issues.
In summary, while your symptoms may be related to the choking incident, it’s essential to monitor them closely. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fever, seek medical attention promptly. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to respiratory health. In the meantime, stay hydrated, avoid irritants, and consider using a humidifier to soothe your throat and airways.

Similar Q&A

Choking on Food: Understanding Throat and Breathing Issues

Last Saturday, I choked while eating and started coughing. At first, I thought I had cleared it and continued eating, but afterwards, I occasionally had difficulty breathing over the weekend. On Monday, I felt better, but since then, I've been experiencing intermittent chest...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you continue to feel unwell, you may consider seeing an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for an examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Choking While Eating: When to Seek Medical Help for Throat Obstruction

The doctor accidentally choked while eating and feels that a foreign object has entered the trachea. Although they forcefully expelled some food, they still feel that some remains are lodged. Currently, breathing is relatively smooth, and there are no abnormal sounds, but there i...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Under normal circumstances, the presence of a foreign body in the trachea will trigger a cough reflex, and most of the time, the foreign body can be cleared effectively. However, if coughing or fever persists, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Regarding the neces...

Understanding Throat Discomfort and Swallowing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions

Since June 11, I have been experiencing tightness in my neck, a sensation of something stuck in my throat, frequent burping, and difficulty swallowing, making me feel like I could easily choke. On June 15, I visited a nearby otolaryngologist, who diagnosed me with gastroesophagea...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. It is advisable to undergo laryngoscopy to rule out any masses, as well as to consider pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following lifestyle recommendation...

Choking on Food: When to Seek Medical Help for Airway Concerns

I choked on crushed pearls or tapioca while drinking, and I coughed lightly at the moment, feeling like the food went down. Because the particles are smaller, I'm worried that they might have gone into my trachea or bronchi. I found many alarming cases of bronchial foreign b...

Dr. Wang Lanfeng reply Pulmonology
Hello: The bronchial tubes in the human body instinctively produce a cough response to external irritants in order to expel foreign objects. Based on your description, the sago pearls you accidentally inhaled may have already been expelled due to your coughing reflex. Even if the...