5 Things To Do When You Feel Something Is Stuck In The Throat
Here are some home remedies you can try to get rid of the feeling of something stuck in your throat or chest.
1. Drink fresh soda or lemonade
Drinking soda or fresh lemonade helps quite often. The soda expands the walls of your throat and, at the same time, the liquid helps push the object into your stomach. In addition, the carbon dioxide in the soda helps to disintegrate the food. It is also thought that some of the soda enters the stomach, which then releases gas. The pressure of the gas can dislodge the stuck food.
2. Drink water
A few big gulps of water can help you get rid of the food stuck in your esophagus. Usually, saliva helps break down food particles and lubricate the food so that it passes easily down the esophagus. When you feel like something is stuck in your throat, drinking extra sips of water can moisten the stuck food.
3. Try eating a banana
Since bananas are slippery, eating them can help push the stuck food through easily. In some cases, taking a bite of bread can also dislodge the food.
4. A piece of wet food
This can help lubricate the food or push it down. Try soaking a piece of bread in water or milk to soften it, then take a few small bites.
5. Watchful waiting
Food that gets stuck in your throat usually passes on its own, given a little time. Give your body a chance to do its job. However, the feeling of something stuck in the throat and chest may be present for a few days.
How does it feel when something is stuck in the throat?
They feel like they are trying to swallow something but it is stuck in the middle, not going anywhere.
However, when you notice the following symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible. This is important because they indicate the possibility of choking.
- You are unable to speak
- You have difficulty breathing
- Breathing is noisy
- You make sounds when you try to breathe
- You cough continuously
- Your face becomes pale or bluish
- You gradually lose consciousness
Prevention Tips
Eating smaller bites can help prevent food blockage.
The following tips can help prevent food blockages in the esophagus and trachea:
- Eat smaller amounts of food
- Chew food slowly and carefully before swallowing
- Do not drink too much alcohol before or during meals.
- Not eating on the run
Unlike adults, who mainly choke on food, children can also choke on toys or small objects.
The following tips can help prevent choking in children:
- Keep small objects out of children’s reach
- Supervise young children when they are eating or playing.
- Make sure children are sitting upright when eating
- Cut food into small pieces before giving it to children
- Encourage children to chew food slowly and thoroughly.
In addition, the following foods should not be given to children under 3-4 years old:
- Small, hard foods, such as nuts, dried fruit and hard candy
- Slippery foods, such as grapes, hot dogs and large pieces of meat
- Sticky foods, such as taffy, gummy candies and marshmallows
- Nut butters with a spoon or finger
