What should I do if chewing gum gets stuck in my throat?

Dec 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, if chewing gum gets stuck in the throat, you can try methods such as coughing, drinking water, inducing vomiting, performing the Heimlich maneuver, or seeking medical assistance. When dealing with chewing gum stuck in the throat, never attempt to swallow it forcefully or use your fingers to remove it, as this may cause injury to the throat mucosa or push the gum further down. Additionally, be cautious not to laugh while chewing gum to prevent such incidents.

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. If chewing gum gets stuck in the throat, you can try methods such as coughing, drinking water, inducing vomiting, performing the Heimlich maneuver, or seeking medical assistance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Coughing

Actively cough to expel the chewing gum through the contraction movement of the throat. This method is suitable when the gum is not deeply lodged and does not cause breathing difficulties. However, when coughing, apply moderate force to avoid excessive force that may cause local muscle spasms, making the gum stick more tightly.

2. Drinking Water

Drinking water can help flush the gum off the throat walls, helping it to dislodge. Warm water is recommended, as cold water might stimulate the muscles, causing contraction and making the gum harder to move. Additionally, swallow large amounts of water to attempt to push the gum directly into the esophagus.

3. Inducing Vomiting

You can use your fingers to stimulate the throat area to induce vomiting, thereby expelling the gum through the vomiting action. This method is suitable when the gum is deeply lodged but has not yet caused breathing difficulties. Before inducing vomiting, ensure your hands are clean to avoid introducing new bacteria or viruses.

4. Heimlich Maneuver

This method is primarily used when severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or choking occur. The procedure involves embracing the person from behind, placing a fist with one hand between the xiphoid process and the navel, and grasping the fist with the other hand. Apply rapid inward and upward pressure to create an air burst that forces the gum out of the throat.

5. Medical Treatment

If none of the above methods can remove the gum or if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing occur, seek medical attention promptly. Doctors can use professional equipment such as laryngoscopes or electronic laryngoscopes to remove the gum with forceps or foreign body clamps. Before seeking medical help, stay calm and avoid strenuous activity or excessive exertion to prevent worsening symptoms.

When dealing with chewing gum stuck in the throat, never attempt to swallow it forcefully or use your fingers to dig it out, as this may damage the throat mucosa or cause the gum to become lodged more deeply. Additionally, when chewing gum normally, be mindful not to talk, laugh loudly, or engage in vigorous activity to reduce the risk of gum getting stuck in the throat.

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What are the effects and benefits of stewed pear with rock sugar?

Generally, rock sugar stewed pear is a common dietary remedy whose effects and benefits mainly include moistening the throat, relieving dry cough, hydrating the body, stimulating appetite, and soothing irritability. It should be noted that rock sugar stewed pear has a relatively cooling nature; therefore, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption to prevent worsening of symptoms. Consumption should be moderate according to individual conditions.