Many of us know that unfortunate sensation of water or food going down the wrong pipe. Maybe a bite of toasted ravioli from Fratelli’s Ristorante ended in a stream of coughing, or you accidentally spat up your water on a run. We call this sensation aspiration.
Understanding Aspiration
You have two tubes at the back of your throat:
- The esophagus. The esophagus delivers food and drinks to your stomach.
- The breathing tube. Also called the windpipe, your breathing tube carries air in and out of your lungs.
Aspiration happens when food or liquids go down the breathing tube instead of the esophagus. In most aspiration cases, your body quickly takes over and attempts to expel the food or fluid from your windpipe by coughing or gagging.
While unpleasant, aspiration isn’t usually a big deal if your body expels the substance quickly. However, if the substance gets trapped in the windpipe, it can cause the following:
- Extended coughing
- A feeling like something’s stuck in the throat
- Trouble swallowing
- Infection
Severe symptoms of a blocked windpipe can include:
- Blood pressure spike
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Bluish skin, lips, fingertips or nails
In cases of severe symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention. If mild symptoms last more than two to four hours, you should also see a doctor to prevent infection.
Aspiration Treatment
Emergency aspiration treatment may include a Heimlich maneuver to clear the substance from your airway. Other methods to open your airways and treat complications include antibiotics, bronchodilators and supplemental oxygen.
How Can I Prevent Aspiration?
There are a few ways you can reduce your risk of aspiration, including:
- Seek treatment for swallowing disorders
- Sit upright when eating or drinking
- Avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating
- Cut your food into small pieces and chew thoroughly before swallowing (this tip is especially important for young children)
If a swallowing disorder is contributing to frequent aspiration, contact Midwest ENT Centre today to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted specialists. We can recommend medication, surgery or swallowing therapy to help make your next meal more enjoyable.