Having something caught in the throat is a common experience, ranging from minor irritation to a life-threatening emergency. This sensation can stem from a physical obstruction, like food or a small object, or it might be a feeling of something present when no item is truly lodged. Knowing how to respond appropriately is important for safety, depending on whether the airway is blocked or if the sensation is due to other factors.
Immediate Actions for Severe Obstruction
A severe obstruction, known as choking, occurs when the airway is completely or blocked, preventing breathing, talking, or coughing. This situation demands immediate action, as oxygen deprivation can lead to brain damage or death within minutes. If a person is conscious but cannot breathe, cough, or speak, administering back blows and abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is necessary.
To perform back blows on an adult or child, stand behind the person. For a child, you may need to kneel. Support the person’s chest with one arm and lean them forward at the waist so their upper body is nearly parallel to the ground. Deliver five blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If back blows do not clear the airway, proceed to abdominal thrusts.
For abdominal thrusts, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist (kneel for a child). Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side just above the person’s navel and below the rib cage. Grasp your fist with your other hand and deliver five quick, upward, and inward thrusts into the abdomen. Alternate between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious. If the person loses consciousness, immediately lower them to the ground and call emergency services.
Managing Minor Obstructions
Sometimes, a piece of food, a pill, or a small object may feel stuck in the throat without causing an airway blockage. In these less severe situations, the person can still breathe, cough, or speak. While uncomfortable, these minor obstructions do not pose an immediate life threat and can often be managed with self-help techniques. The goal is to encourage the natural passage of the item or to stimulate a cough reflex that might dislodge it.
Drinking water can help lubricate the throat and move the item down. Taking small sips can be more effective than large gulps. Eating soft food, like a banana or bread, might also help push the item down or encapsulate it for easier passage. These methods are most effective when the item is small and not deeply lodged.
Forceful coughing can be an effective way to clear a minor obstruction. If the person can still cough, encourage them to do so forcefully. The pressure generated by a strong cough can be enough to dislodge the item from the throat or upper esophagus. Remaining calm during these attempts is important, as panic can exacerbate the sensation of being stuck.
Understanding the Sensation of Something Stuck
The feeling of something lodged in the throat without a physical object present is a common phenomenon known as globus pharyngis, or globus sensation. This sensation often feels like a lump, tightness, or pressure in the throat. It can be persistent and bothersome, leading individuals to believe a foreign object is stuck, even when medical examination reveals none.
Several factors can contribute to globus sensation. Acid reflux, from stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, can irritate the throat lining, leading to this feeling. Post-nasal drip, with excess mucus dripping down the throat, can also create a similar sensation. Muscle tension in the throat, from stress or anxiety, is another common cause, which can clench and create a lump.
Psychological factors, particularly anxiety and stress, play a role in globus sensation. When a person experiences anxiety, their muscles tighten. This tension can feel like something is caught. While often benign, persistent globus sensation warrants medical evaluation to rule out other conditions.
When to Seek Medical Help
While many instances of feeling something in the throat resolve with simple interventions, certain signs indicate professional medical attention. Persistent difficulty breathing, beyond initial choking, requires immediate evaluation. If a person cannot swallow saliva, suggesting esophageal blockage, this warrants urgent medical care.
Additional red flags include severe pain in the throat or chest, indicating injury or a serious issue. Coughing up blood, a fever, or unexplained weight loss are concerning symptoms requiring a doctor’s visit. These symptoms can point to infections, inflammation, or other conditions requiring treatment.
If the sensation of something stuck persists, worsens, or is accompanied by new symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Self-treatment is effective for minor issues, but never delay professional help for serious symptoms. A medical professional can determine the cause and recommend management.
Preventive Measures
Taking proactive steps can reduce the likelihood of something stuck in the throat. Careful eating habits are effective. Chewing food thoroughly into small, manageable pieces before swallowing ensures easier passage. Rushing meals and talking while eating can increase the risk of food entering the airway. Eating slowly and focusing on the meal is beneficial.
Being cautious with certain foods is important. Small, round foods like grapes, nuts, or hard candies should be consumed with care or avoided, especially for children. Cutting these items into smaller, elongated shapes can minimize the risk. Staying hydrated by drinking water helps keep the throat moist and facilitates smoother swallowing.
Managing underlying health conditions plays a role in prevention. If acid reflux is a factor in the sensation of something stuck, adhering to prescribed treatments or dietary modifications reduces its occurrence. Addressing anxiety and stress through relaxation techniques or professional support helps alleviate throat muscle tension leading to globus sensation.