Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Frequent reflux is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While complete airway obstruction is rare, acid reflux can cause sensations that feel like choking or lead to airway complications.
How Acid Reflux Affects Your Airway
Stomach acid entering the airway can trigger responses that mimic choking. One is laryngospasm, where vocal cords temporarily spasm and close, leading to a sudden inability to breathe or speak. This protective reflex occurs when acid irritates the larynx, or voice box, and can feel like a severe choking episode.
Another mechanism is aspiration, the inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs. This can trigger coughing, gagging, and a choking sensation as the body attempts to clear the material. Chronic reflux can damage esophageal tissues and lead to respiratory issues if aspiration occurs frequently.
Persistent acid exposure can irritate and inflame the pharynx and larynx, contributing to a feeling of obstruction or difficulty swallowing. This irritation can also lead to scar tissue forming in the esophagus, which may narrow the passage and make swallowing more challenging. These changes can cause sensations similar to choking or a constant feeling of something being stuck.
Recognizing Reflux-Related Choking Sensations
Acid reflux can cause various sensations perceived as choking. One common symptom is globus sensation, the feeling of a lump or something stuck in the throat, even when nothing is physically there. This sensation is often painless but can be persistent and annoying.
Difficulty swallowing, medically termed dysphagia, is another symptom where food or liquid feels stuck or moves slowly down the throat or esophagus. Acid irritation can also affect the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or voice changes and a frequent need to clear the throat.
Irritation from reflux can also trigger a chronic cough or gagging reflex. A persistent cough can be a primary symptom of acid reflux, even without typical heartburn. Accompanying symptoms like pain or burning in the throat or chest are common with reflux-induced airway issues.
Factors That Can Worsen Symptoms
Several factors can increase the frequency or severity of acid reflux symptoms, raising the likelihood of choking sensations. Dietary triggers, such as fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus, chocolate, and peppermint, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back. These foods can also increase acid production, worsening symptoms.
Lifestyle habits also exacerbate reflux. Lying down too soon after eating, consuming large meals, or eating close to bedtime can contribute to acid reflux. Other habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also weaken the esophageal sphincter.
Physical factors, including obesity and pregnancy, can increase pressure on the abdomen, pushing stomach contents upward. Certain medical conditions or medications may contribute to reflux. Stress can also worsen digestive issues, potentially increasing esophageal sensitivity to acid and making reflux symptoms more pronounced.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While reflux-induced choking sensations are often not immediately life-threatening, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if these sensations are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily life, especially if they do not improve with over-the-counter medications.
Seek medical help immediately if there are clear signs of aspirating food or liquid into the lungs, such as severe coughing or difficulty breathing after eating or drinking. Worsening difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), particularly if accompanied by pain or unexplained weight loss, should also prompt a doctor’s visit. Chest pain, while sometimes reflux-related, should always be evaluated to rule out cardiac issues. Unexplained weight loss, anemia, or any other alarm symptoms, such as bleeding, require prompt medical attention.