When food lodges in the throat, it can be alarming, but it’s important to distinguish this from full choking. Food getting “stuck” usually means an obstruction in the esophagus, the tube leading to the stomach, where breathing is still possible. This often happens when food isn’t chewed adequately or is consumed too quickly. Knowing the right actions for each situation can help manage it safely.
Actions for Partial Obstruction
When food feels stuck but breathing is possible, forceful coughing is a primary and effective response. It generates pressure that can dislodge the food from the esophagus.
If coughing doesn’t clear the obstruction, sipping water or other liquids can help lubricate the food, making it easier to slide down. Carbonated beverages, like soda, might also be beneficial, as their gas bubbles could help break down the food or create pressure to push it along. Consuming a small, soft piece of food, such as a banana or bread, can sometimes mechanically push the lodged item further down the digestive tract.
Emergency Measures for Complete Obstruction
A complete airway obstruction, or choking, is a medical emergency. This occurs when a foreign object, typically food, blocks the windpipe, preventing air from reaching the lungs. Signs of severe choking include an inability to speak, cough, or breathe, often accompanied by clutching the throat and a look of panic.
If someone is experiencing complete airway obstruction, call emergency services immediately. For adults, the Heimlich maneuver, or abdominal thrusts, is the recommended first aid procedure. To perform this, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side just above their navel and below the ribcage, then grasp that fist with your other hand. Deliver quick, forceful inward and upward thrusts five times, repeating until the object is dislodged.
Alternatively, five sharp back blows can be administered between the person’s shoulder blades. This involves bending the person forward at the waist and striking firmly with the heel of your hand. If the person becomes unconscious, lower them to the ground and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you are alone and choking, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself by making a fist and placing it above your navel, then thrusting inward and upward. Leaning over a fixed object like a chair or countertop and thrusting your abdomen against it can also provide the necessary force.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of food getting stuck resolve on their own, certain situations require medical evaluation. If attempts to dislodge the food are unsuccessful, or if pain and discomfort persist after the food has seemingly moved, seek medical attention. Persistent difficulty swallowing or breathing after the incident also indicates a need for assessment.
Seek medical help if any part of the food is suspected to be lodged in the esophagus rather than the trachea, especially if symptoms like excessive drooling or chest pain are present. Although less immediately life-threatening than airway obstruction, a lodged esophageal foreign body can cause complications if not removed. If the person loses consciousness during a choking incident, immediate emergency medical care is vital.
Preventing Future Occurrences
Adopting mindful eating habits can reduce the likelihood of food getting stuck in the throat. Thoroughly chewing food into small, manageable pieces before swallowing is a primary preventive measure. Taking smaller bites and eating at a slower pace also allows for better control over the swallowing process.
Avoiding talking or laughing while chewing helps ensure the epiglottis, a flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing, functions correctly. Staying hydrated during meals can also aid in smooth food passage. For individuals who frequently experience food getting stuck, consulting a doctor is recommended. This could indicate underlying medical conditions such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), which may require specific diagnosis and treatment.