What to do if you're choking and nearly suffocating from eating chili peppers—how to save yourself

If you are nearly choked by eating chili peppers, you can perform self-rescue using methods such as drinking water, bending forward and patting your back, or applying ice packs. Specific measures are as follows:

1. Drinking water

After being choked by chili peppers, you may drink an appropriate amount of water. Water helps alleviate the irritation caused by chilies on the throat mucosa, thus relieving discomfort symptoms.

2. Bending forward and patting the back

After being choked, bend your head forward and gently pat your back with your hand. This helps dislodge the chili from the throat and prevents further irritation to the throat mucosa.

3. Ice application

You can wrap an ice pack in a dry towel and apply it to the throat area. Cold compress has a soothing effect, reduces swelling of the throat mucosa, and relieves discomfort caused by choking on chili peppers.

In addition to the above methods, throat-soothing medications may also be used. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital.