What causes sudden choking and fainting while drinking water?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
In general, sudden choking and fainting while drinking water are caused by transient hypoxia, esophagitis, insufficient cerebral blood supply, and similar reasons. Sudden choking on water can compress the trachea, leading to temporary oxygen deprivation and subsequent fainting. Esophagitis may cause the phenomenon of sudden choking and fainting while drinking water, and inadequate cerebral blood flow may also lead to such episodes.
Generally, sudden fainting due to choking while drinking water may be caused by transient hypoxia, esophagitis, insufficient cerebral blood supply, or other reasons. It is recommended to receive treatment under a doctor's guidance, such as back slapping or medication.
1. Transient hypoxia: The trachea lies adjacent to the esophagus. Suddenly choking on water can compress the trachea, impairing lung ventilation and leading to temporary oxygen deprivation, which may result in fainting. This condition can be alleviated by gently slapping the patient’s back.
2. Esophagitis: Esophagitis is commonly caused by bacterial infection or irritation from foreign objects, and often presents with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and pain during swallowing. These factors may lead to sudden choking and fainting while drinking water. Treatment typically involves medications such as alginate magnesium aluminum granules or ilaprazole enteric-coated tablets, used under medical supervision.
3. Insufficient cerebral blood supply: This condition is usually caused by reduced blood flow to the brain or inadequate cardiac output, and is commonly associated with symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision. It may also contribute to fainting episodes when choking on water. Under medical guidance, medications such as ligustrazine phosphate tablets or amino-acid peptide nucleotide injection may be used for treatment.
