What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Excessive Belching After Swallowing A Pill?

Posted on Thu, 11 May 2017

Question: I was taking my fish oils multivitamin which was a large pill. I had plenty of water trying to swallow it but I feel like it went down the wrong pipe. I have had shortness of breath and excessive belching along with instances of gagging and wanting to through up. I have had water go the wrong whole before and it causes an immediate cough response but I had none of that. Just chest discomfort and mild burning along with moments of losing my breath while talking and doing certain activities

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Keep monitoring your situation

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in HCM

I can understand your concern.

As you explain the history i do not think that you have already aspirate the pill in the airways.

The process of aspiration itself causes a sharp and chronic cough immediately.

Probably you have aspirated some water or saliva meanwhile.

For this you do not have to do nothing .This disturb might go away with the passing time.

If your symptoms continues or get worse over time (like cough or breathlessness) than you should go to ER for further examinations.

The ER doctor will order a Chest x Ray and probably a Fibrobronchoscopy (if needed) to examine the airways for foreign bodies.

It does not seems to me according to the clinical picture you have aspirated the pill.

Do not worry

Take care and feel free to ask me again

Dr.Jolanda

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng