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What Causes Discomfort In Chest After Choking On Saliva?
I swallowed saliva and went it down the wrong way. I started coughing, but had a very hard time catching my breath. I started gasping for air, this went on for a few minutes. Finally the episode was over, but I still have a sore chest. It scared me so bad and now I don t know if it was just a fluke or will this happen again.
Wed, 1 Mar 2023
Hi,
When saliva or any substance enters the airways instead of the food pipe, it can cause a reflexive cough to clear the airway. The coughing may cause discomfort or pain in the chest due to the force of the cough and the muscles used to clear the airway. This discomfort can persist for a short while after the episode.
In some cases, the coughing can also irritate the lining of the airways, leading to inflammation and soreness in the chest. This soreness can last for several hours or days after the episode.
It is not uncommon to experience a choking episode due to saliva or other substances going down the wrong way. However, if this happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or persistent cough, it is important to seek medical attention.
To prevent choking, it is advisable to take smaller bites, chew food thoroughly, and avoid talking or laughing while eating. Additionally, staying hydrated can help keep the throat and airways moist, reducing the risk of choking.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
When saliva or any substance enters the airways instead of the food pipe, it can cause a reflexive cough to clear the airway. The coughing may cause discomfort or pain in the chest due to the force of the cough and the muscles used to clear the airway. This discomfort can persist for a short while after the episode.
In some cases, the coughing can also irritate the lining of the airways, leading to inflammation and soreness in the chest. This soreness can last for several hours or days after the episode.
It is not uncommon to experience a choking episode due to saliva or other substances going down the wrong way. However, if this happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or persistent cough, it is important to seek medical attention.
To prevent choking, it is advisable to take smaller bites, chew food thoroughly, and avoid talking or laughing while eating. Additionally, staying hydrated can help keep the throat and airways moist, reducing the risk of choking.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
Normally when we swallow, the respiratory passage is closed for a moment by a flap called epiglottis. This prevents fluid or food entering air way. It seems sudden gush of saliva and urgency in swallowing made the action instant, before epiglottis could block air way that moment.
This happens once in a while when urgency and negligence act together. You will have to be careful in deglutition and it's not likely to repeat the event again. Soreness in chest would go in few days. In case you get breathless or have severe cough. Consult your family physician.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
Normally when we swallow, the respiratory passage is closed for a moment by a flap called epiglottis. This prevents fluid or food entering air way. It seems sudden gush of saliva and urgency in swallowing made the action instant, before epiglottis could block air way that moment.
This happens once in a while when urgency and negligence act together. You will have to be careful in deglutition and it's not likely to repeat the event again. Soreness in chest would go in few days. In case you get breathless or have severe cough. Consult your family physician.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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