Suggest Treatment For Gum Impaction In Throat

Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015

Question: Last night, I swallowed some gum and my throat was very dry and it instantly got stuck. I started coughing and gagging, but it stayed put. I have tried eating and drinking several things. I have been coughing a lot. I feel like it has moved further down my throat but is still stuck. I called the local doctors and they said it would be 3-5 weeks to see an ENT specialist. Should I go to the ER? Or should I just way for it to work its way down to my stomach. Thank you in advance for your help.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
needs ent consultation-laryngoscopy

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having gum impaction in throat.

As such, swallowed gum will not dissolve. It will cause instant cough, wheeze and airway obstruction, followed by local ulceration and abscess formation.

Based on your clinical details, it appears to be stuck in upper part of throat, and it can be removed. I suggest you to visit an ent surgeon, get laryngoscopy procedure under local anesthesia, to remove the impacted chewing gum.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T