Choking when all alone

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

I've had several very scary incidences in the last couple of years. I finally decided to research it. For me, it happens only when I'm drinking liquids.

I found several sites that recommend putting one's hand over one's mouth and breathing only through the nose. I haven't had a chance to try it yet (and hope I don't have to).

What I am doing now is every time I have to drink, I sip very slowly and as I swallow I put my hand over my mouth and breathe through my nose.

Just info for anyone who might suffer from this symptom.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

You can administer the Heimlich maneuver on yourself with your hands or a chair.

I inadvertently did this to myself when I was about 4 years old and choking on a nectarine. I ran to my mom, who was lying on a chaise outside with me, and threw myself over her lap, which forced the air out of my lungs and ejected the fruit. Later I learned how to do it more efficiently in multiple CPR classes.

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Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@LilacTree wrote:
I've had several very scary incidences in the last couple of years. I finally decided to research it. For me, it happens only when I'm drinking liquids.

I found several sites that recommend putting one's hand over one's mouth and breathing only through the nose. I haven't had a chance to try it yet (and hope I don't have to).

What I am doing now is every time I have to drink, I sip very slowly and as I swallow I put my hand over my mouth and breathe through my nose.

Just info for anyone who might suffer from this symptom.

@LilacTree

Years ago I started using a straw after my dentist and I discussed how easily my teeth stained, and he asked me to try it.

Choking can often be caused by swallowing air while drinking. A straw eliminates that problem ... unless you keep sucking after all the liquid is gone ... lol.

Try using straws, just for the heck of it.

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

@ChynnaBlue wrote:
You can administer the Heimlich maneuver on yourself with your hands or a chair.

I inadvertently did this to myself when I was about 4 years old and choking on a nectarine. I ran to my mom, who was lying on a chaise outside with me, and threw myself over her lap, which forced the air out of my lungs and ejected the fruit. Later I learned how to do it more efficiently in multiple CPR classes.

Choking with food and choking on fluids are very different. The H maneuver is not recommended for choking on fluids. Most of what I read indicated the best thing to do is let the individual fight it out. Occasionally someone will faint and that relaxes the muscles in the throat and allows breathing again. Fortunately that hasn't happened to me yet.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@LilacTree wrote:
I've had several very scary incidences in the last couple of years. I finally decided to research it. For me, it happens only when I'm drinking liquids.

I found several sites that recommend putting one's hand over one's mouth and breathing only through the nose. I haven't had a chance to try it yet (and hope I don't have to).

What I am doing now is every time I have to drink, I sip very slowly and as I swallow I put my hand over my mouth and breathe through my nose.

Just info for anyone who might suffer from this symptom.
@LilacTree

Years ago I started using a straw after my dentist and I discussed how easily my teeth stained, and he asked me to try it.

Choking can often be caused by swallowing air while drinking. A straw eliminates that problem ... unless you keep sucking after all the liquid is gone ... lol.

Try using straws, just for the heck of it.

I've used straws too. One still has to be careful of getting air in the throat, as you said.

Of course a lot was said about aging and how this symptom increases with aging (as does every other nasty thing).

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

You're right. I missed the fluids part. I don't actually consider fluid irritation to be choking because you don't have a blocked airway.

You don't let someone fight it if the airway is actually blocked. I'm not going to wait for a person to pass out if I don't have to. (There's a consent issue, so then I would.) I also wouldn't intervene if someone is coughing forcefully, because that means they can get air. If they're coughing forcefully, monitor carefully.

If it's just liquid, it doesn't matter if you're alone or not.

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Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

Is this like liquid *going down the wrong pipe*? And it ends up in a coughing fit?

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

I'm not a medical person but I have 2 sisters and 2 nieces who are RN's. I asked them about this and they said it can help when alone.

I've found that when drinking liquids (for some reason) I often (as I've gotten old(er) swallow air. Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe and start choaking.

I've found that if I use the breathing technique I was taught during Yoga (mostly relaxing my entire body), it helps relax the muscles in my throat too and I stop choaking (a good burp helps too)!

MalteseMomma · ‎03-09-2010

My father died eating his lunch.I tried the H menuver to no avail.He died in my arms. He was eating 1000 Island Dressing and that is what did it.It went into his windpipe. It took me a long time to eat comfortably,I was afraid I would choke.

I often choke on peanut butter as I am a PB junkie and eat it by the spoonfuls,sometimes I put too much on my spoon or I am eating it too fast. It is painful and I cannot breathe cause I am clogged up with PB. I know I need to be careful.Most of the time it is the middle of the night and I am alone. Water helps.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@MalteseMomma wrote:
My father died eating his lunch.I tried the H menuver to no avail.He died in my arms. He was eating 1000 Island Dressing and that is what did it.It went into his windpipe. It took me a long time to eat comfortably,I was afraid I would choke.

I often choke on peanut butter as I am a PB junkie and eat it by the spoonfuls,sometimes I put too much on my spoon or I am eating it too fast. It is painful and I cannot breathe cause I am clogged up with PB. I know I need to be careful.Most of the time it is the middle of the night and I am alone. Water helps.

@MalteseMomma

What a terribe experience .... so sorry for your loss.