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What Causes Choking Sensation While Coughing?

Posted on Tue, 20 Jan 2015

Question: Hi, i was sucking a cough sweet and started coughing and as I breathed in it just sucked down in ine go. It felt as if I inhaled it but I didn't get any choking afterwards. Do you think I swallowed it? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Swallowed it

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Our human cough reflex is so strong that it is almost impossible to inhale any foreign solid particle. The cough sweet most likely to be in your stomach.

If you want to be very sure then I recommend you to get a CT chest done, x ray chest will not show the cough sweet

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 minutes later)

Thanks, if I swallowed it will it be digested in my stomach or passed through my system? It was quite large -a round sweet about 2cm in diameter.

If it was in my lungs would it be causing pain/other issues?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Digested

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The sweet will be digested and completely dissolved by the gastric juices. If you had swallowed it you would have had severe pain, cough and breathlessness.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (12 minutes later)

I have a bit of discomfort in my throat area, almost feels as though something is a bit stuck there, but no breathing difficulty (other than the cough I had before) do you think it might be stuck in my windpipe or in my oesophegus and if so what should I do?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

Mild discomfort could be because of the tablet itself causing mild trauma while you swallowed suddenly.

If it is stuck in the windpipe, ENT surgeon has to be approached for removal through an indirect larygoscope.
If it is stuck in the esophagus a gastroenterologist removes it through endoscopy.

Regards

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar