What Causes Spontaneous Choking?

Posted on Fri, 1 Jul 2016

Question: What are the causes of spontaneous choking

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic esophageal spasm and Angioedema can cause spontaneous choking.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Spontaneous choking can be seen in
1. Allergic Angioedema.
2. Allergic esophageal spasm.
So please let me know if you are having allergy or not.
So you are having random choking.
And yes, you should definitely consult your doctor for this.
Are you obese?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (20 minutes later)

No Allergies,
I have had this happen several times, and cannot associate it with anything, i.e., eating, drinking etc. I just happens spontaneously. One of the last time it happened I was eating some flower seeds, it seemed as if something had gone down the wrong pipe, but I took a sip of water and it helped, but then I couldn't get any air.

It happened again, while sleeping, I woke up due to choking.

Can you choke on your saliva and is it fatal

Just wonder if I need to be checked out by my Dr.

Thank You

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do you have stressful life?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
This is strange symptom which runs in the family.
Please let me know if you are having stressful life.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 minutes later)

No, I am a little overweight but no obese, I exercise regularly too.

I have had these episodes on and off for about 20 years. I just grew concerned because I had 2 episodes so close together. I hadn't had an episode of this choking for over 2 years. So I was just trying to get some reassurance.

Also, my Mother and younger brother experience the same thing
I don't believe my life is very stressful, but can you tell me more of what could cause these symtoms

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sudden choking can be due esophageal spasm or glottic spasm.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since you are not obese, not having stressful life, no need to worry for sleep apnea as a cause.
Common causes for choking are
1. Angioedema seen in allergy. This is unlikely in your case.
2. Stress related esophageal spasm. This is also unlikely in your case.
3. Glottic spasm or esophageal spasm due to neurological diseases. These can be possible.
These diseases are related to autonomic nervous system. There are muscles in esophagus and upper part of esophagus (glottis). These muscles are controlled by nerves (autonomic). So pathology in these nerves can cause sudden involuntary spasm of these muscles and so they cause choking.
So in my opinion you should consult your doctor and discuss all these.
Hope I have solved your query. If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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