How to tell if chewing gum is stuck in the throat
Sep 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, if chewing gum becomes lodged in the throat, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, throat pain, hoarseness, and irritative cough may occur, which patients can use to identify the issue. If the piece of chewing gum is relatively large and swallowed quickly, it may block the throat, thereby affecting normal breathing.
Under normal circumstances, if chewing gum becomes stuck in the throat, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, throat pain, hoarseness, and irritative cough may occur. Patients can use these symptoms to make an initial assessment. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Difficulty Breathing
If the piece of chewing gum is relatively large and swallowed quickly, it may become lodged and block the throat, affecting normal breathing and potentially causing respiratory distress.
2. Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Chewing gum has a relatively firm texture. If accidentally swallowed, it may get stuck in the throat, leading the patient to feel a foreign body sensation. This condition can be managed by drinking more water or attempting to dislodge the gum through coughing.
3. Throat Pain
Accidentally swallowing chewing gum may cause its texture to irritate the throat mucosa, resulting in throat pain. Management includes increasing fluid intake, and under medical guidance, using medications such as Qinghou Liyan Granules or Qingkailing Capsules.
4. Hoarseness
If the chewing gum is large and swallowed rapidly, it may damage the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as Huangshi Xiangsheng Pills or Jinsang Kaiyin Capsules for treatment.
5. Irritative Cough
When chewing gum becomes stuck in the throat, the irritation may trigger coughing, which might be accompanied by phlegm production. As directed by a physician, medications such as Compound Liquorice Tablets or Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Granules may be used for symptomatic relief.
If the condition is severe, patients should seek prompt medical attention. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may be necessary, although tympanoplasty (eardrum repair surgery) mentioned here appears to be a contextual error and is not relevant to throat obstruction—appropriate interventions would likely involve airway management or endoscopic removal.
