Throat obstructions due to swallowing of objects is a problem more common among children, though such instances do occur in adults as well. It may get stuck in your throat due to many unknown reasons. Children have a tendency to put everything in their mouth like small toys, coins, safety pins, buttons, bones, wood, glass, batteries or any other foreign objects. It takes 24 to 48 hours for the object to reach the digestive tract. But if the object gets stuck for a long time it can damage or tear the esophagus and cause infection.
- The most common places for objects to get stuck are
- On the same level of the collarbones (clavicles)
- Center of the chest
- Near the bottom of the rib cage
- Some symptoms to notice
- Gagging
- High-pitched breathing
- Difficulty and pain while swallowing
- Vomiting
- Avoiding solid foods
- Increased drooling
- Pain in the neck, chest or abdomen
- Inability to speak
- Bluish skin color
- Some Causes of Choking
- Eating too fast without chewing can
- Intoxication by alcohol
- In an unconscious state by inhaling certain materials
- Head or face injury (swelling or blood can cause choking)
- Tips to remember
-Try not to panic
-Do not make your child vomit
-Try to think positive and do not assume that surgery is the only option
-Do not remove the object if stuck in the chest instead cover the object with padding. Put a tape around the padding so to avoid any movement. Avoid any vigorous jerks.
- Home Remedies
Clear your throat by drinking liquids or swallowing bread. This may take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to work. If it does not work try other options or consult your doctor.
You can try the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around his/her waist. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side of your fist just above the person's navel, well below the breastbone. Grasp the fist with your other hand and make a quick, upward and inward thrust with your fist. Continue this till the object is removed.
For obese or pregnant people, wrap your arms around the person's chest. Place your fist on the middle of the breastbone and make firm backwards thrusts.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
