What Causes Irritation In The Throat Area?

Posted on Thu, 6 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 6 Apr 2017 Answered on

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Could I have aspirated gum while sleeping, I feel a little irritated in my upper airway, breathing ok, but can't remember if I took the gum out of my mouth before falling asleep about 6 hours ago, could it have gone into my lungs

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You might have swallowed it

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking in HealthcareMagic.

As you explain probably you might be swallowed it not aspirated.

Aspiration even very small part of objects usually triggers a sharp cough and breathlessness condition of the subject.

If you have done a quiet sleeping process there is no possibility you have aspirated it.

And if during the day will feel good than you do not have to do anything.Otherwise a chest x ray should be done to explore the lungs but the gold standard examination for foreign bodies in the airways is Explorative Fibrobronchoscopy

In my opinion you might have swallowed it.

No need to do anything

Be careful and return asking if needed.

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (8 minutes later)

So, if I aspirated it during my sleep, it would have triggered a cough that would have woken me up, is that right
If I did aspirate it how long would it be until I feel symptoms

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The symptoms usually feel immediately

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Yes exactly.

The symptoms usually feel immediately but otherwise if you will have an irritant chronic (like one month) cough it would be better for you to examine the lungs.

But the fact that you actually feel normal without symptoms its a significant positive sign of not aspirated it.

Regards

Dr. Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana