What should I do if something is stuck in my throat and I can't swallow it?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. If an object becomes lodged in the throat and cannot be swallowed, the following measures can be taken: drinking water, attempting to cough, gently pressing on the throat, performing the Heimlich maneuver, or seeking medical attention promptly. In daily life, it is advisable to chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, avoiding consuming excessive amounts of food at once. Additionally, talking, laughing, or breathing heavily while swallowing should be avoided to prevent foreign objects from becoming lodged in the throat.
Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. When something is stuck in the throat and cannot be swallowed, you can try drinking water, coughing, gently pressing on the throat, performing the Heimlich maneuver, or seeking medical attention promptly. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Drinking Water
When the throat is obstructed, you can try drinking some warm water, which may help flush the foreign object down. If the object is relatively large, you can try drinking warm water and then swallowing in several small sips to gradually move the object downward. However, note that if the object is sharp, such as a fish bone, drinking water should be avoided to prevent further impaction.
2. Attempting to Cough
When something is stuck in the throat and cannot be swallowed, you can attempt to cough forcefully. During coughing, airflow rapidly passes through the airway, creating pressure that may help expel the foreign object. This method is suitable for small, superficial, and non-sharp objects.
3. Gently Pressing on the Throat
When a foreign object is lodged in the throat, you can use your fingers—preferably the index or middle finger—to gently press on the outside of the throat at the site of the obstruction. The pressure should be moderate—not too strong to cause damage to the throat or esophagus, but sufficient to help loosen the object.
4. Heimlich Maneuver
If there is an acute obstruction and the object cannot be coughed out, the Heimlich maneuver can be quickly performed for self-rescue. Specifically, stand or sit at the edge of a table, place your abdomen against the edge, bend forward with your head lowered, make a fist with one hand and place it just above your navel, then apply quick upward pressure to the abdomen. Repeat this action until the object is expelled.
5. Seeking Medical Help Promptly
If the foreign object cannot be removed using the above methods, or if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a choking sensation occur, medical attention should be sought immediately. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors will perform detailed examinations, such as using an electronic laryngoscope or esophagoscope, to determine the location and nature of the object and then remove it.
In daily life, eat slowly and chew food thoroughly, avoiding excessive intake at once. Also, avoid talking or laughing while swallowing to prevent foreign objects from becoming lodged in the throat.
