What Causes Congestion In Throat After Choking On Grape Fruit?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jan 2016

Question: I was eating a grape on Sunday. As I swallowed I coughed and the skin of the grape felt like it covered my airway like clingflim. I couldn't breath and made horrific noises trying to breath. Luckily I was with people they were waking my back really hard. I signalled them to stop put my head between my legs and tried all I could to cough as it didn't feel like it had entered. Was the scariest experience I've ever had. I obviously got it out as I suddenly was able to breath again. Nothing actually came out though? Today (two days later) I went to an exercise class and could only do twenty minutes as I felt like I was going to be sick and have massive pain in my rib area under neath where my bra lies. It hurts to breath. Now back home I'm sat up right with my back arched and resting on a surface and its easing a little but my whole abdomen on the sides is now tender. The exercise as not excessive and was nothing like I would normally do nor does it normally have this effect. I have also started to cough which is quite sore.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
VL'Scopy, CXR, Auscultation. medication.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Get a Videolaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy) done. This will detect any congestion or irritation in the throat. Get a Chest X-ray and chest auscultation done.

2. You are most probably sore from the violent coughing. You are right: Choking is a scary experience. However, this should subside with the paracetamol. You can add ibuprofen if you are not prone to bronchospasm. Hot fomentation will help.

3. If these investigations are normal, this will settle down. A short course of steroids and a cough suppressant will help ease the symptoms.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (7 minutes later)

Is it necessary to get the X-ray and video thing done? Or should I wait to see if the pain and coughing passes?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ideally, yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Ideally, yes.

2. If you cannot, take the suggested medication.

3. If there is no relief in 48-72 hours, investigate.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

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. Raju A.T