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Feeling Food Struck In Throat. Not Cured By Gargling. What Should I Do?
Question: Hi there
I ate some popcorn last night and feel like I have a hull stuck in my throat. Have tried eating bread, gargling and trying to reach it with a toothbrush to get it out. I can breathe, and it isn't really painful.. but is there anything I can do to get it out? It's very irritating!
Thanks!
I ate some popcorn last night and feel like I have a hull stuck in my throat. Have tried eating bread, gargling and trying to reach it with a toothbrush to get it out. I can breathe, and it isn't really painful.. but is there anything I can do to get it out? It's very irritating!
Thanks!
Hi
Thanks for the query
It is very difficult for the hull of the popcorn to move from the place where it has got stuck because the hull is usually tough and impervious.
The usual location for the hull to get stuck is the back of the tongue and it usually accommodates itself over the enlarged lymphoid follicles. Do not worry! It will clear off within a day or two once the hull becomes soft. Try eating rough food such as roasted bread which helps in clearing off the hull. Do not attempt to remove it by yourself; it might cause damage to the mucosa of the tongue. Also, drink plenty of water to make it soft.
If the above measures fail, please consult your doctor for the removal of the same.
Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up query.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Thanks for the query
It is very difficult for the hull of the popcorn to move from the place where it has got stuck because the hull is usually tough and impervious.
The usual location for the hull to get stuck is the back of the tongue and it usually accommodates itself over the enlarged lymphoid follicles. Do not worry! It will clear off within a day or two once the hull becomes soft. Try eating rough food such as roasted bread which helps in clearing off the hull. Do not attempt to remove it by yourself; it might cause damage to the mucosa of the tongue. Also, drink plenty of water to make it soft.
If the above measures fail, please consult your doctor for the removal of the same.
Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up query.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2543 Questions
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