What should I do if something goes down the wrong pipe and causes persistent coughing?
Feb 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Coughing persistently due to aspiration into the trachea may be caused by liquids such as water, phlegm, or gastric fluid entering the airway. Mild cases usually resolve on their own. If a large amount of liquid is aspirated, antibiotic treatment under a doctor's guidance may be necessary. When the cause is foreign bodies such as fish bones or date pits lodged in the trachea, prompt medical attention is required, and the foreign object should be removed using laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy.
The management of persistent coughing due to choking on the trachea depends on the underlying cause, with common causes including liquid aspiration and foreign body aspiration.
1. Liquid Aspiration
If the cough is caused by liquids such as water, phlegm, or gastric juice entering the trachea, special treatment is usually unnecessary when only a small amount has been aspirated and the coughing symptoms are mild. Symptoms typically resolve on their own after rest. However, if a large volume of liquid is aspirated, causing acute lung injury, antibiotic medications may be prescribed under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used drugs include cefaclor granules, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and roxithromycin dispersible tablets, which help prevent further infection.
2. Foreign Body Aspiration
If the cough results from foreign objects such as fish bones or date pits entering the trachea, prompt medical attention is required. The foreign object must be removed under visualization using laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy. Failure to do so may lead to suffocation and potentially life-threatening complications. Once the object is removed, the coughing symptoms generally improve significantly.
During treatment, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods to promote recovery.
