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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Exp 50 years

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90 Year Old, Choking, Breathlessness, Difficulty In Standing. Ideas For Quick Recovery?

Sitting out of doors, slowly drinking coffee I suddenly felt I was choking and couldn't take a breath, as the though the air couldn't go down my esophogus.
I have this occasionally, but today was worst episode. I coughed, took another sip of coffee, felt I was dying as I couldn't breathe, stood up, coughed harder, finally was able to take shallow breath. Could barely talk for a few seconds.
What could or should I have done to recover more quickly?
I am 90 years old.
Thank you.
posted on Sun, 12 May 2013
Twitter Tue, 14 May 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 14 May 2013 Last reviewed on
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Dear patient,

Thanks for your health concerns. Given the fact that these episodes have occurred repeatedly in the setting of swallowing fluids, the shortness of breath could come as a consequence of a laryngeal spasm from aspiration; I believe that the symptoms are worrisome and warrant further evaluation by a physician, who can perform a physical but particularly neurologic exam and determine if further testing, such as a modified barium swallow or Speech Pathology evaluation.

Hope this is useful, wish you the best health, blessings,

Dr Brenes Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
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90 Year Old, Choking, Breathlessness, Difficulty In Standing. Ideas For Quick Recovery?

Dear patient, Thanks for your health concerns. Given the fact that these episodes have occurred repeatedly in the setting of swallowing fluids, the shortness of breath could come as a consequence of a laryngeal spasm from aspiration; I believe that the symptoms are worrisome and warrant further evaluation by a physician, who can perform a physical but particularly neurologic exam and determine if further testing, such as a modified barium swallow or Speech Pathology evaluation. Hope this is useful, wish you the best health, blessings, Dr Brenes Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN