Choking Sensation Symptom: Causes & Treatments That Help

Choking Sensation Vs Actual Choking

Differentiating between a choking sensation and actual choking is important, as their implications and urgency vary significantly. Let's explore the distinctions:

Choking Sensation

• Definition: A choking sensation occurs when an individual feels as though something is obstructing their throat or windpipe, even if there is no complete blockage.
• Characteristics:
• Subjective Feeling: The person perceives tightness, discomfort, or a lump-like sensation in the throat.
• No Complete Obstruction: Breathing is still possible, albeit with discomfort.
• Not Life-Threatening: While distressing, it doesn't immediately endanger life.
• Common Causes: GERD (acid reflux), anxiety, stress, or physical irritation.

Actual Choking

• Definition: True choking occurs when an object (such as food or a foreign body) fully obstructs the airway, preventing breathing.
• Characteristics:
• Complete Blockage: The person cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively.
• Urgent Emergency: Immediate action is necessary to dislodge the object.
• Life-Threatening: Lack of oxygen can cause a person to faint or even die.
• Common Causes: Swallowed objects, food, or foreign bodies lodging in the throat.

Key Differences

• Breathing Ability:
• Choking Sensation: Breathing is still possible, albeit uncomfortably.
• Actual Choking: Breathing is severely impaired or absent.
• Severity:
• Choking Sensation: Generally not life-threatening.
• Actual Choking: Urgent and potentially fatal.
• Response:
• Choking Sensation: Seek medical evaluation but not immediate emergency assistance.
• Actual Choking: Perform the Heimlich maneuver or call for help immediately.

Types of Choking Sensation

• Choking sensation in throat: A lump-like or tight feeling in the throat without actual blockage.
• Choking sensation in chest: Often linked to acid reflux or anxiety, causing tightness or pressure in the chest.
• Choking sensation after eating: May result from GERD or swallowing disorders, typically following meals.

What are the Causes of Choking Sensation?

Several factors can contribute to a choking sensation:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Chronic acid reflux can irritate the esophagus, leading to discomfort and a feeling of obstruction.
• GERD-related symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, and a choking sensation.

Anxiety and Stress

• Psychological factors can cause a tightness or lump-like feeling in the throat.
• Anxiety-induced muscle tension may contribute to the sensation.

Physical Irritation

• Inflammation due to infections (e.g., tonsillitis, pharyngitis) can lead to throat discomfort.
• Allergies or exposure to irritants (smoke, pollutants) may also play a role.

Conditions that Cause Choking Sensation

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Pharyngitis or Tonsillitis
• Allergic reactions (hay fever, dust allergies)
• Esophageal motility disorders
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)

What are the Symptoms of a Choking Sensation?

Common symptoms associated with a choking sensation include:

• The feeling of tightness or lump in the throat: The person perceives an obstruction, even if there's no actual physical blockage.
• Discomfort or Pain: Swallowing may be uncomfortable or painful.
• Difficulty Swallowing: The sensation may worsen during eating or drinking.
• Heartburn or acid regurgitation
• Tightness in the throat or chest
• Chest pressure or heaviness
• Anxiety or panic attacks

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if:

• The sensation persists or worsens over time
• There's significant pain while swallowing
• You experience choking sensation after eating regularly
• Breathing difficulty or sudden onset of chest pain occurs
• You suspect a foreign object is lodged

Diagnosis and Tests for Choking Sensation

• Physical Examination
• Laryngoscopy: To examine the throat and larynx
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): For assessing acid reflux and esophageal health
• Barium Swallow Study: To identify swallowing issues
• Anxiety Assessment: For stress-related causes

Choking Sensation Treatment and Management

Self-Care

• Stay Calm: Recognize that the sensation is not life-threatening.
• Sip Warm Water: Warm liquids can soothe the throat.
• Avoid Irritants: Refrain from smoking or exposure to environmental irritants.

Medical Evaluation

Primary Care Physician

• Doctors help to rule out any underlying conditions.
• They may recommend lifestyle changes, antacids, or other medications.

Speech Therapist

• Evaluate and address any swallowing difficulties.

Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist)

• Assess throat health and recommend further steps.

Emergency Medicine Specialist

• Necessary if symptoms worsen suddenly or if there's severe discomfort.

Remember that taking professional advice is crucial, especially if the choking sensation persists or worsens. If you experience sudden difficulty in breathing or severe pain, seek immediate medical attention.

How to Prevent Choking Sensation?

While a choking sensation isn't always preventable, certain measures can help reduce its occurrence:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Diet: Avoid trigger foods that worsen acid reflux (e.g., spicy, acidic, or fatty foods).
• Eating Habits: Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid lying down immediately after meals.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated to maintain throat health.

Stress Management

• Practising relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety and stress.
• Seek professional help if stress-related symptoms persist.

Home Remedies for Choking Sensation

• Sip warm water or herbal teas like chamomile or ginger
• Gargle with warm salt water to reduce throat irritation
• Use a humidifier to keep airways moist
• Inhale steam with eucalyptus oil to clear irritation

Things to Remember

• If someone experiences sudden difficulty breathing, severe pain, or complete obstruction, assume it's actual choking and act promptly.
• For persistent choking sensations, consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions.