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What Causes Severe Choking Episodes After Accidentally Inhaling Water?

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Posted on Thu, 1 Dec 2016
Question: I seriously inhaled my drink today, I coughed so hard u til I finally could inhale quickly, and felt sharp pins and needles sensation all over my chest and lowe're back. So much so that I was holding my chest and back as the drink was coming out of my nose when I coughed. I am fine now, although whenever I take a deep breath, I cough some more of my drink out. Was the sharp pins and needles pain normal from choking/coughing so hard? I assume I was not really choking since I could cough, but I could not inhale for awhile. Should I see my doctor or is coughing it up still a good sign?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
coughing protects the airways, if fine , you can monitor

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Coughing is a good sign. Coughing helps to keep the airways clear and prevent foreign materials from entering the lungs. It does occur in choking.

In severe choking episodes, the person is not able to clear the airways with coughing only and requires assistance.

The reflex to cough to protect the lungs can result in a lot of coughing occurring at the time.
Persistent coughing or excess coughing can cause pain to occur due to strain on the muscles.

You would not need to see your doctor for assessment if you are currently fine.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (31 minutes later)
Was the sharp pins and needles pain just a result of coughing so hard and abruptly? This only last a few seconds but it was intense pain I've never felt before.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes this is the result

Detailed Answer:
HI

yes, this would have caused the intense discomfort that you experienced.

You can monitor both the coughing and any associated discomfort for now

Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Severe Choking Episodes After Accidentally Inhaling Water?

Brief Answer: coughing protects the airways, if fine , you can monitor Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Coughing is a good sign. Coughing helps to keep the airways clear and prevent foreign materials from entering the lungs. It does occur in choking. In severe choking episodes, the person is not able to clear the airways with coughing only and requires assistance. The reflex to cough to protect the lungs can result in a lot of coughing occurring at the time. Persistent coughing or excess coughing can cause pain to occur due to strain on the muscles. You would not need to see your doctor for assessment if you are currently fine. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions