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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Breathing Difficulty After Drinking Proof Liquor?

Hi, I was drinking 30 proof liquor and when I took a huge gulp of it, it went down the wrong pipe and it burned very badly. I did not cough though and I m wondering why, it felt like I was drowning though and it was very hard to breathe for a few seconds. When this was happening I felt like the alcohol was gurgling in my throat. After the occurance I felt fine but I am concerned on what the effects of accidently having alcohol going down the wrong pipe can be?
Tue, 7 Mar 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Coughing is one of the body's protective mechanisms for the airways to prevent foreign substances from entering the trachea and lower airways.

If a significant amount of the alcohol had entered the airways, then you would have coughed to protect yourself.

This means that either only a small amount entered the airways or none entered.
The burning sensation was due to the alcohol entering and burning the esophagus. Intense pain anywhere in the body can have an effect on breathing.

If this fluid had entered the lungs there would be shortness of breath and you may have developed a type of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia.

I hope this helps
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What Causes Breathing Difficulty After Drinking Proof Liquor?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Coughing is one of the body s protective mechanisms for the airways to prevent foreign substances from entering the trachea and lower airways. If a significant amount of the alcohol had entered the airways, then you would have coughed to protect yourself. This means that either only a small amount entered the airways or none entered. The burning sensation was due to the alcohol entering and burning the esophagus. Intense pain anywhere in the body can have an effect on breathing. If this fluid had entered the lungs there would be shortness of breath and you may have developed a type of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia. I hope this helps