Choking on Saliva: Risks of Aspiration and When to Seek Help

Choking on saliva while swallowing, leading to difficulty breathing?

About twenty minutes ago, I choked on my own saliva.
This isn't the first time it has happened; each time, I cough to the point where I feel like I can't breathe and I'm close to suffocating.
This time, after coughing a few times and realizing I couldn't inhale, I had to hold back the cough because it felt like my airway was blocked.
I could only try to take slow breaths in.
Eventually, I felt my airway loosen up, and I could breathe again, but I didn't manage to cough out the fluid.
I have a feeling that the liquid I choked on may have gone into my lungs.
Although I kept trying to cough to expel the fluid, it didn't seem to help much.
I'm very concerned that this could lead to aspiration pneumonia, and I'm wondering if the severity of the choking sensation warrants a visit to the doctor.

Luo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/26

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine

Hello, thank you for your question.
Our trachea is quite sensitive, and even if we choke on water, it is often just a small amount that can be coughed out quickly.
The amount of saliva is even less, making it unlikely to choke on a large volume of water, so there is no need to worry.
The reason you may feel that you haven't coughed out the water is that the amount that was choked on was small, and by the time you experience a severe cough, you have already expelled it, so you may not notice the sensation of coughing it out.
If there is no fever, it is advisable to just monitor the situation.
Best regards from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2023/11/26

More Info

Choking on saliva can be a distressing experience, and it’s understandable to be concerned about the potential risks associated with aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or saliva enters the airway and lungs instead of the esophagus. This can lead to serious complications, including aspiration pneumonia, which is an infection that can occur when foreign materials are inhaled into the lungs.

In your case, it sounds like you experienced a significant choking episode where you felt unable to breathe properly. This sensation can be alarming and may lead to panic, which can exacerbate the situation. It’s important to recognize that while occasional choking on saliva can happen to anyone, frequent episodes may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Risks of Aspiration
1. Aspiration Pneumonia: This is the most significant risk associated with aspiration. When saliva or any foreign material enters the lungs, it can introduce bacteria, leading to infection. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia may include coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

2. Airway Obstruction: If the airway is blocked, it can lead to a lack of oxygen, which is a medical emergency. Signs of severe airway obstruction include inability to speak, difficulty breathing, and a bluish color to the lips or face.

3. Chronic Coughing or Wheezing: Repeated aspiration can lead to chronic respiratory issues, including a persistent cough or wheezing, as the lungs may become irritated or inflamed.

When to Seek Help
Given your description of the incident, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if:
- You continue to experience difficulty breathing or a persistent cough.

- You develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or chest pain, which could indicate an infection.

- You feel that your episodes of choking are becoming more frequent or severe.

Management and Prevention
1. Medical Evaluation: A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies (like a chest X-ray) to assess for any signs of aspiration pneumonia or other complications.

2. Swallowing Assessment: If choking episodes are frequent, a swallowing assessment by a speech-language pathologist may be beneficial. They can evaluate your swallowing function and recommend strategies or therapies to reduce the risk of aspiration.

3. Hydration and Positioning: Staying well-hydrated can help thin saliva, making it easier to swallow. Additionally, being mindful of your posture while eating or drinking can help prevent choking. Sitting upright and taking smaller bites or sips can be beneficial.

4. Avoiding Distractions: Eating or drinking while distracted (such as talking or watching TV) can increase the risk of choking. Focus on your meal to ensure you are swallowing properly.

5. Emergency Response: If you ever find yourself in a situation where you cannot breathe due to choking, it is crucial to perform the Heimlich maneuver or seek immediate assistance.

Conclusion
While occasional choking on saliva can happen, repeated episodes warrant further investigation. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek medical advice if you have concerns about your respiratory health or if you experience significant distress during these episodes. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve your overall quality of life.

Similar Q&A

How to Help Someone Choking on Saliva: Emergency Tips for Families

Hello, after an elder in the family choked on saliva, they coughed violently until their face turned red, then their eyes rolled back and they fainted, becoming limp and unresponsive in the chair. Fortunately, after several seconds, they finally regained consciousness. I would li...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is recommended that if elderly individuals have excessive saliva, they should lie on their side to allow the saliva to flow out, which can help prevent choking. Additionally, you can prepare a pulse oximeter at home to monitor the oxygen levels of the elderly. You may a...

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.

Understanding Throat Issues: When to Worry About Swallowing Difficulties

Hello Doctor, I am the person who previously inquired about concerns regarding ALS. Over the past three days, I have noticed that when I eat, if I am not careful, I tend to aspirate a small amount of liquid into my trachea, which almost leads to choking but I manage to prevent it...

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology
Hello: If you have difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist, who may arrange for a swallowing study based on your condition.

Understanding Excessive Salivation: Causes and When to Seek Help

Recently, I have been experiencing excessive salivation that causes drooling. I consulted a psychiatrist who mentioned that it is just a stress-related issue and will not affect my health. Is it really that simple? I am a bit worried... I would like to ask if this condition is tr...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Causes of drooling: 1. Excessive saliva production: such as when seeing acidic foods. 2. Difficulty swallowing: inability to swallow food, often accompanied by choking incidents. 3. Facial nerve paralysis: this can usually be identified externally. If drooling is the only symptom...