In cases where people have something stuck in throat, how to get it out is a top priority. This is because it can quickly become a choking hazard, as well as cause damage and irritation to a person’s throat, especially when it happens to a child.
But what exactly should you do if you have something stuck in throat, or when it happens to someone else? Here’s what you need to know.
Something Stuck in Throat, How to Get it Out?
Have you ever had something stuck in throat? It can happen if you swallow your food too fast, or in the case of children, they accidentally swallow a toy or an object they put in their mouth.
While these situations usually cause some discomfort, they can quickly lead to more dangerous situations especially if it happens to a child or an elderly person.
Thankfully, there are a number of ways to deal with somethings stuck in throat. However, note that identifying the object stuck is crucial. Batteries and magnets, for instance, need to be removed IMMEDIATELY, hence, the need for emergency care. Extra caution must also be taken for sharp and long objects.
Here are some things that you can try at home:
Drink soda
A surprisingly effective way of dealing with food stuck in throat is to drink soda. In fact, a study has been conducted to understand just how effective it would be. The research found that in about 80% of the cases they studied, drinking soda was an effective solution.
They theorized that the carbonation helped loosen the food in the throat. This is because the air bubbles can help move the food around and make it go down easier. The carbonation also creates gases in the stomach, which can help push out food that’s stuck in the throat.
Water also works
Similarly, drinking water also works with food stuck in the throat. Water can help wash down the food, and it also lubricates the throat, making it easier for food to pass through.
It is important to remember that drinking water, as well as drinking soda, are not recommended if a person accidentally swallowed an object. This is because it is better for the object to be taken out instead of letting it go to the stomach.
Eat a soft piece of food
This is also another remedy for food stuck in the throat. Eating a softer piece of food, such as a banana, can help push the food that’s stuck in your throat. This may or may not work, depending on how big the blockage is.
Perform the necessary first aid tips
If the above steps are not working, or if an object was swallowed, here’s what you can do as first aid:
- Give the person 5 blows to the back with the heel of your hand. It should be roughly in between the shoulder blades.
- Perform 5 abdominal thrusts or commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver.
- Alternate between the two steps until the blockage is removed.
Here are the steps to the Heimlich maneuver:
- Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around them, and place your hands above their bellybutton.
- Clench one of your hands into a fist, and hold it tight with the other hand.
- Thrust upwards and inwards into the person’s belly. Make sure to do this fast.
These techniques are especially useful if the blockage is not removed, and the person is having difficulty breathing.
If all else fails, go to the ER immediately
If the above steps don’t work, then call emergency services, or take the person to the ER as soon as possible. It’s not a good idea to waste time trying to remove the object when you’ve already exhausted all of the methods that you can do. So it would be best to call for help immediately, and try to keep the person who is choking calm and awake.
If a child is choking on a battery or an object that can be dangerous, it would also be a good idea to take them to the hospital immediately. This way, any possible injury can be minimized and the problem can be dealt with immediately.
Learn more about Throat Conditions here.
Swallowing food might look a very easy and natural process but it is not that simple. Swallowing food requires lots of muscles and enzymes to function in a particular way to ease food getting into the food pipe without any trouble. You must have experienced food getting stuck in your throat once in while, it is very common and usually happens to kids and older adults. However sometime people experiment different techniques to clear the passage which might not be very safe. Hence today we are going to tell you some ways recommended by expert to help you out with stuck food in throat.
What problems do people face while swallowing?
We spoke to Dr. Sumeet Nigam, General Physician from Sahara Hospital, Lucknow to explain the process of swallowing and tips to prevent food getting stuck. He told us that swallowing of food is a three step process.
1. You first chew your food thoroughly so ease the process of swallowing. In this step the food gets fixed with saliva and gets moist so it becomes easy to slip through the passage.
2. The next step is reflex action of tongue to push the food back into your throat. During this phase the windpipe becomes close tightly and your breathing stops. This is done by body to prevent food from going in the wrong pipe.
3. The final step is when the food enters the oesophagus and travels down to your stomach.
If any of these steps or functions is not performed properly, then there is a chance that food gets stuck in the throat. Most common issue is when food is not chewed properly or there is not enough time given to food to get mixed with saliva. Hence this causes cough and clogs the food pipe.
Ways to Remove Food Stuck in the Throat
There are number of ways suggested by doctor that can help you remove stuck food from your throat without visiting the hospital. Here are some techniques to assist you-
1. The soft drink trick
Most of the soft drinks that are available in the market are carbonated beverages that work like disinfectants to unclog the throat. These carbonated beverages provide the required moisture and breaks the food quickly to ease the swallowing process. According to experts, carbon dioxide gas present in the soda beverage disintegrates the food and helps to break it down. As a result of this, food gets into stomach more easily.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
This is actually one of the first reflex actions that are done to remove clogged food from the throat. Take a big gulp of water and wash the food down the oesophagus. This usually works as it lubricates the food to slide down the throat. Water is enough when the food is stuck because of not being chewed properly. However, do not overdo it and try other ways if water does not work out.
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3. Take pills that are meant to release stuck gas
Over the counter medicines which help in countering with gas problems are also helpful in dislodging stuck food. Try to give it in the same way as carbonated drink by mixing it with water. Simenthicone medicines make it easier for you to produce gas that can push the food back into the mouth because of the pressure exerted by gas. Be very careful about the dose of medicine you are giving in this case. Seek medical help if it does not work out.
4. Eat another Moist piece of food or curry based food
You may feel weird about this as this is not a standard practise but it helps. Eating moist food is like having some lentils or curry based things to push the food stuck in your throat down the passage. Try dropping some bread dipped in milk or water or take small bite of cooked lentils etc. it is an effective and simple way to get rid of the stuck food in your throat. Another way recommended by doctor is to take a bite of banana. It is a naturally soft food which aids in pushing down stuck food particles as well.
5. Use baking soda to break down food in the throat
Another way to break down stuck food in the throat is to having baking soda mixed with water. The soda dissolves in the liquid and produces pressure on the food which disintegrates them and produces pressure. Because of this the food makes it way down and gets dissolved with the baking soda drink that provides relief to the person. Baking soda breaks down food in the same way as alka seltzer medicine does, however people usually do not keep alka seltzer in their homes.
6. Have butter cube to slip the food down your throat
Butter we all know is very slippery in nature, and that is what is required in a situation like this. It provides that extra bit of lubrication needed for the stuck food to slide down the food pipe. It may not sound very easy, but it can get the job done. To make it simple, melt the butter in semi liquid form which can exert pressure as well as provide lubrication for the food to get moist and slide. This is usually not known to people or people try cheese instead of butter which can make the condition worse. Hence be careful what you are giving to the person.
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When to Seek medical Emergency?
It does not always happen that food gets through the home made ways and with few remedies that have been told above. There are some signs that may suggest medical care in terms of stuck food in the food pipe.
- If the person is unable to talk
- Having difficulty in breathing
- Is making squeaky sounds while trying hard to breathe
- Coughing very forcefully and panicking
- In case person becomes flushed or turns pale coloured
- Lose consciousness
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