How To Get Rid Of A Pill Stuck In The Windpipe?

Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 Answered on

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I think I aspirated a pill, about 1/4 inch diameter : I went to swallow and somehow hiccuped at the same time. I coughed a lot at first and it burned. Now it feels like it's stuck right at the top of my windpipe. I can feel it when I swallow and clear my throat, -almost like I keep tasting the powder.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Videolaryngoscopy. Chest X-rays.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. It is highly unlikely that this pill is stuck in the windpipe.

2. If you are breathless, visit an ER. If not, get a Videolaryngoscopy and Chest X-rays done. If these are normal, there is no cause for worry.

3. The pill may have brushed past the opening of the food pipe leading to this sensation.

4. The pill will have disintegrated, causing the taste.

5. This pill should not cause a problem once past the inlet of the food pipe.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I have will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D