You might be choking frequently due to a condition called dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing. However, there could be other contributing factors as well. Let's explore the potential reasons.
Possible Causes of Frequent Choking:
-
Dysphagia: This is the most common reason for frequent choking. Dysphagia can occur for various reasons and can affect people of all ages, though it's more common in older adults.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury can damage the nerves controlling swallowing.
- Esophageal Problems: Issues like esophageal strictures (narrowing), tumors, or achalasia (a condition where the esophageal sphincter doesn't relax properly) can obstruct the passage of food.
- Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles of the mouth and throat, often due to aging or certain medical conditions, can make it difficult to coordinate swallowing.
- Head and Neck Cancer: Cancer or treatments for cancer in the head and neck region can affect swallowing function.
-
Poor Eating Habits: Eating too quickly, not chewing food thoroughly, or talking while eating can increase the risk of choking.
-
Underlying Medical Conditions:
- Acid Reflux (GERD): Chronic acid reflux can irritate the esophagus and make swallowing difficult.
- Allergies: Food allergies can cause swelling in the throat, leading to choking.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva helps to lubricate food and make it easier to swallow. Dry mouth, caused by medications, dehydration, or certain medical conditions, can increase the risk of choking.
-
Anatomical Issues: Some people may have structural abnormalities in their throat or esophagus that make them more prone to choking.
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia:
If you frequently choke, you may also experience some of these other symptoms:
- Coughing or gagging while eating or drinking.
- Bringing food back up (regurgitation), sometimes through the nose.
- A sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest.
- Difficulty starting a swallow.
- A wet or gurgly voice after eating.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Recurrent pneumonia.
What To Do:
- Consult a Doctor: The first step is to see your doctor. They can perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and order tests to determine the underlying cause of your choking.
- Swallowing Evaluation: You may be referred to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a swallowing evaluation. This assessment can help identify specific swallowing problems and recommend strategies to improve your swallowing safety.
- Modify Your Diet: Depending on the cause of your choking, you may need to modify your diet. This could involve eating softer foods, thickening liquids, or avoiding certain foods that are difficult to swallow.
- Swallowing Exercises: An SLP can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and improve coordination.
- Improve Eating Habits:
- Eat slowly and take small bites.
- Chew food thoroughly.
- Sit upright while eating.
- Avoid distractions while eating.
- Alternate bites of solid food with sips of liquid.
- Manage Underlying Conditions: If your choking is related to an underlying medical condition, such as acid reflux or dry mouth, it's important to manage those conditions effectively.
Summary:
Frequent choking can stem from various causes, with dysphagia being the most likely. It's essential to consult a doctor and potentially a speech-language pathologist to identify the root cause and implement appropriate strategies to improve swallowing safety and prevent future choking episodes. Improving eating habits can also help.
