question-icon

What Causes Breathing Difficulty After Choking On Food?

default
Posted on Tue, 4 Apr 2017
Twitter Tue, 4 Apr 2017 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 4 May 2017 Last reviewed on
Question : I swallowed on the wrong side 2 days ago. It was really intense. I choked and choked and think it went into my lungs.
Last night I woke up feeling like I couldn't breathe. My breathing is shallow and I'm not able to take a deep breath. No pain.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Are you still coughing?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I will like to know if you still have a cough. It is not uncommon to choke but most often you do succeed to cough up the foreign material that made it way to the lungs. If you are no longer having to cough repeatedly, then there is no foreign material in the airways. Without a fever and no pain, it is unlikely to be an infection. I will suggest that you calm down and stay relaxed. Only get further concerned if breathing difficulties persists in which case I will suggest that you get evaluated by a doctor.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3982 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Doctor Now
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

158 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Causes Breathing Difficulty After Choking On Food?

Brief Answer: Are you still coughing? Detailed Answer: Hi, I will like to know if you still have a cough. It is not uncommon to choke but most often you do succeed to cough up the foreign material that made it way to the lungs. If you are no longer having to cough repeatedly, then there is no foreign material in the airways. Without a fever and no pain, it is unlikely to be an infection. I will suggest that you calm down and stay relaxed. Only get further concerned if breathing difficulties persists in which case I will suggest that you get evaluated by a doctor. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.