What should I do if watermelon seeds go into the trachea and cannot be coughed out?
Sep 27, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
If watermelon seeds enter the trachea and cannot be coughed out, relief may be achieved through coughing, bending forward at the waist, drinking warm water, chest percussion, or surgical treatment. To avoid injury, it is recommended to chew food slowly and thoroughly, avoid talking loudly or laughing while eating, and prevent food from becoming a foreign body in the airway. Seek medical attention promptly if any discomfort occurs.
In general, if watermelon seeds enter the trachea and cannot be coughed out, relief may be achieved through coughing, bending forward, drinking warm water, chest percussion, or surgical treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Coughing
Coughing is a natural protective mechanism of the body that helps clear foreign objects from the airway. Try coughing several times with strong yet gentle force to stimulate the expulsion of the watermelon seed.
2. Bending Forward
Bending forward at the waist can increase pressure within the chest cavity, helping push the seed toward the throat. You may lean forward and gently pat your back with your hand to encourage the seed to move upward.
3. Drinking Warm Water
Drinking warm water can help soften the throat and trachea, making it easier to cough out the seed. Warm water may also stimulate the cough reflex, aiding in clearing foreign objects from the airway.
4. Chest Percussion
Gently tap the upper and lower chest areas using the palm of your hand to help move the foreign object upward. However, avoid applying excessive force to prevent injury.
5. Surgical Treatment
If symptoms are severe and the above methods fail to provide improvement, surgical intervention may be performed to remove the foreign body, which can effectively treat the condition.
To prevent bodily harm, it is recommended to chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, avoiding loud talking or laughing while eating, to reduce the risk of food entering the airway. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly.
