Choking Incident While Taking Medication: Seeking Advice
Profile: 37-year-old female, 5'9", 165 pounds, non-smoker with a history of mental and physical health issues including bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, lupus, and asthma. Typically, I consume all my medications at once since they are generally small in size, with the exception of the Adderall, which is noticeably larger. My usual regimen comprises Abilify, Metoprolol, Jinteli, Adderall, and Hydroxychloroquine. However, today proved to be quite alarming when the pills unexpectedly lodged in my throat, leading to a choking episode during which I inhaled some of them. After a significant coughing spell, I was able to expel the Adderall, but I couldn’t locate the other pills, so I suspect they were swallowed instead. The coughing lasted approximately 15 minutes, and I am feeling better now. However, I noticed that the Adderall had started to dissolve somewhat by the time I brought it back up, leaving behind a burning sensation in my throat that exacerbated my coughing. I'm reaching out to inquire about potential symptoms or concerns I should monitor for today, particularly in the event that any small pill may have entered my lungs. Is it possible for such an occurrence if I've stopped coughing? *Going forward, I’ve decided to take my medications one at a time to avoid putting myself in a situation where I might suffer a severe choking incident again.*
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 12:01:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you reached out after this concerning incident. Choking on pills can certainly be alarming, but it sounds like you've acted quickly to manage the situation. Here’s what you need to know moving forward:
Main Points:
- Monitor for respiratory symptoms that may indicate aspiration (inhalation of the pills).
- Continue taking medications one at a time to prevent future incidents.
- Soothe your throat while keeping an eye on any lingering symptoms.
Explanation:
When pills get lodged in your throat, especially if some are inhaled, it's essential to monitor your breathing and throat comfort for the following hours or even days. Since you felt better after coughing and are no longer choking, it's a good sign. However, some risks remain, particularly if any small pieces might have gone into your lungs.
Next Steps:
-
Watch for Symptoms:
- Signs of Aspiration: If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should consider them signals for more urgent attention:
- Sudden difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fever or chills developing later
- Blood while coughing
- Signs of Aspiration: If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should consider them signals for more urgent attention:
-
Soothe Your Throat:
- Drink warm liquids (like tea with honey or warm water) to help ease the burning sensation in your throat and provide comfort.
- Avoid irritants such as spicy or very hot foods that might exacerbate throat discomfort.
-
Medication Management:
- As you've decided, taking medications one at a time is a wise choice. This will help prevent future choking incidents.
-
Stay Hydrated:
- Keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day, as this helps keep your throat moist and comfortable.
-
Keep Records:
- If you experience any symptoms or have concerns, keep a simple log of your experiences and any changes. This may be helpful for ongoing medication management or discussions with healthcare providers.
If you develop any concerning symptoms or if the burning sensation persists, please seek assistance. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. I'm here if you have further questions or need clarification.
Related Questions
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?
Distinguishing Between Norovirus and Influenza: Seeking Insights
I know I recently shared an update, but I realized I overlooked an important question. My 28-year-old husband has been feeling unwell since early this morning, although he seems to be on the mend. He experienced a single episode of vomiting and has had diarrhea 3-4 times today. Since he started expressing discomfort, we have been entirely apart to prevent any possible spread of illness. Given his symptoms, could this be Norovirus or Influenza? Currently, he is suffering from a headache, feels unusually warm (though we don’t have a thermometer, so I can’t confirm if he has a fever), and is experiencing soreness in his legs. Additionally, his throat was quite painful for much of the day, particularly after vomiting, which might be due to a globus sensation. He has taken a total of 12mg of ondansetron, administered in intervals of six hours. For reference, he weighs 230 pounds, seldom consumes alcohol, has Puerto Rican heritage, is a former smoker, and does not use any illicit substances.
Assessment of Three-Year-Old Knees
Patient Information: - Gender: Female - Age: 3 years - Weight: Approximately 13 kilograms - Medical History: None noted Observations: The knees appear to have a slight inward rotation, in my view.