OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Feeling Something Caught in My Throat

2/11/2026, 12:10:31 AMMale25-34

I have a strong suspicion that the culprit is a bit of bacon, as that was my recent meal prior to experiencing this sensation of it being lodged in my throat. Usually, this isn’t a common issue for me. I often manage to push down any food that gets stuck by drinking water, or I have this unusual ability to induce vomiting if necessary. However, I’ve tried both tricks this time, but the bacon is lodged in a specific area. Water just leads to coughing it up without prompting any real relief. Does anyone have any suggestions? About me: - I'm a 27-year-old male. - I vape. - I’m not on any medications. Not sure why this info is relevant, but there you go!

COPDInternal MedicineEndocrinology

Answers (1)

Cony

2/11/2026, 12:10:50 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing a frustrating situation with the sensation of having something lodged in your throat, potentially due to a piece of bacon. This feeling can be uncomfortable, and it's important to address it carefully. Let's break this down.

Main Points:

  1. A sensation of something stuck in the throat can happen with larger food items like bacon.
  2. Drinking water or inducing vomiting hasn’t provided relief.
  3. It's critical to address this safely to avoid further complications.

Explanation:

When food becomes lodged in the throat, it can cause discomfort and even obstruct your airway, particularly if the food is large or has a shape that makes it difficult to swallow. While you’ve tried common remedies like drinking water and inducing vomiting, it's important to be cautious, especially if those methods aren't working.

Next Steps:

  1. Stay Calm: Stress can increase throat tension, making it harder to swallow.
  2. Apply Gentle Pressure: Try swallowing soft foods (like bread or banana) or even a small amount of honey. These can help push the food down without causing further irritation.
  3. Cough Gently: Sometimes a controlled cough can help dislodge food without causing too much strain.
  4. Avoid Heavy or Irritating Foods: Until this is resolved, stick to lighter foods and avoid anything hard or sticky.
  5. Monitor Symptoms: If you start experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, persistent sensations of choking, or any other concerning symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.

Note:

If this sensation persists despite trying these methods or worsens, it would be prudent to seek assistance from a healthcare professional. While self-care strategies are helpful initially, there can be situations where further intervention is necessary. Please take care of yourself!

Related Questions

Experiencing Unusual Symptoms After HFM: A Personal Journey

I always viewed myself as someone who maintained good health and fitness. My daily routine involves working outdoors, and I avoid alcohol and tobacco. However, in early 2025, I contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease from my two-year-old child. This illness persisted for an exhausting seven weeks from April to May. I endured severe ulcers that prevented me from eating for several days and faced painful blisters that covered my hands, feet, and groin. Eventually, the skin on both my palms and the soles of my feet peeled away completely. The culmination of this ordeal resulted in epididymitis, leading to an alarming swelling of one of my testicles, which measured 36ml. Despite a hospital stay, the doctors assured me that recovery would take weeks, yet I still feel a lingering difference. By June 2025, I suffered a lower back injury from overexertion and fatigue, a recurring issue in my life. Normally, I would recover swiftly from such injuries, but this time was different. Bending or lifting became unbearable due to intense pain, and I began to experience sciatic discomfort in my left leg. Additionally, my foot would frequently feel numb, making it difficult to stand or sit for extended periods. After consulting with doctors, I was given a diagnosis of a possible slipped or herniated disc and prescribed Celecoxib to manage inflammation. Throughout the summer, I pursued various treatments, including physiotherapy, chiropractic sessions, and acupuncture. Despite months of strength training, stretching, and techniques like dry needling and nerve flossing, I still felt a sharp stabbing pain in my lower back and sacral region. Another doctor speculated that I might have a partial tear in my anterior longitudinal ligament, but healing seemed uncertain and would require patience. As September rolled in, I awoke with a severe kink in my neck, which plagued me through numerous sleepless nights, leading to physical weakness and peculiar sensations. I discovered that I could no longer contract my right serratus anterior muscle, which had been a defining feature of my physique since my early teenage years. I struggled to lift my right arm overhead and was diagnosed with scapular winging. Following this diagnosis, my doctor prescribed Pregabalin and referred me to a neurologist in December. The neurologist explained that my nervous system had essentially turned on itself to combat the infection, a scenario he noted wasn't entirely uncommon. During my visit, he illustrated the nerve activity in my surrounding muscles, revealing that while my serratus nerves were active, their firing rate was significantly low. He advised against surgery since it had already been six months since I first noticed the muscle weakening, but warned that if I didn’t see improvement by June 2026, surgery to attach my shoulder blade might become necessary. He also indicated that physiotherapy might not yield much benefit in this situation. Recently, I woke up with yet another painful kink in my neck. For four days now, I've been experiencing pins and needles in my right arm and wrist. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI appointment. I apologize for my lack of medical terminology; I am just trying to understand whether my symptoms could be related to the hand, foot, and mouth disease, how to express this concern to my doctor, and what specific tests I should inquire about. With a young family to support and daily labor to endure, I appreciate your time and any advice you might be able to provide.

ArthritisLupusCOPD
Male25-34
19 minutes ago

Inquiries about Papilledema

At 24 years old, I recently underwent my annual eye examination, where the optometrist identified some swelling in my eyes. Consequently, the doctor provided me with a referral (see attached) and mentioned that it could take one to two weeks for me to receive a response from the specialist’s office. He advised that if I do not hear back within that timeframe, I should reach out directly to arrange my appointment. Additionally, he cautioned that I should visit the emergency room if my symptoms worsen. I am seeking further information regarding this issue.

COPDInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
20 minutes ago

Should I Consult My GI Specialist About Mild Active Crohn's Disease?

Greetings! I've been dealing with recurring high-grade obstructions in my small intestine, particularly at the same location in my terminal ileum, as highlighted by CT scans over the years. Each time I undergo colonoscopies or CT imaging, the inflammation tends to resolve post-blockage, and has not been evident in the most recent MRI I got from my gastroenterologist. This MRI indicated that there is a short segment of the terminal ileum that is slightly thickened and demonstrates hyperenhancement after receiving gadolinium contrast. According to the report, these observations are suggestive of mild active Crohn's disease. Fortunately, there were no signs of fistulas or strictures present. Additionally, a limited area of diffusion restriction was detected within the terminal ileal portion, with some minor thickening of the wall measured at 0.4 cm along a segment that spans around 7 to 10 cm. Although there is hyperenhancement in that segment, again, there is no indication of strictures or the formation of fistulas. On a positive note, the other parts of the small intestine appear normal, and no abnormal thickening or pathological lymph nodes were identified in the visualized colon. I’ve yet to discuss these MRI results with my gastroenterologist. Given that the findings are rated as mild, should I still reach out to him? Or is it best to refrain from contacting him since mild cases may not warrant treatment?

Crohn's DiseaseInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
29 minutes ago

Elevated ALP Levels: A Long-Term Concern

Hello everyone. I'm a 23-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing 195 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall. Lately, I've been grappling with various health problems. I stumbled upon lab results from two years ago that included full metabolic panels taken six months apart. Surprisingly, my primary care physician overlooked the significantly high ALP levels, which were recorded repeatedly at over 155. It's important to note that my weight back then was lower, and I had gained weight due to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder by an unreliable psychiatrist, for which I was prescribed Seroquel for two years. Currently, I'm not on any medications except for an albuterol inhaler for my asthma, so I doubt my ALP issues stem solely from my weight, despite my parents' insistence. Most recently, I underwent testing because of irregular menstruation and adverse effects from my birth control shot, which caused prolonged menstrual bleeding for nearly two months. Multiple tests indicated I am quite anemic, along with low levels of SHBG, while other hormone levels appeared normal. Furthermore, I have deficiencies in vitamin B12 and D, which I will delve into regarding my dietary habits shortly. But again, the ALP level caught my eye – it was recorded at 146. In the last month, I've had to visit the emergency room three times due to severe vomiting, stomach cramps, and constipation. Initially, I suspected a return of my ulcers, which led an assistant at my primary's office to prescribe me Omeprazole 40mg. However, after my trips to the ER, I discontinued it. On the first two visits, I was given Ondansetron 8mg at two different hospitals. When that didn't help, another ER switched my medication to Metoclopramide 40mg. A week later, during a gastroenterology appointment, the doctor stopped the Metoclopramide and reinstated Omeprazole 40mg, while also introducing a propylene glycol drink mix to assist with digestion. Thankfully, following a diet of straightforward meals—comprising proteins, carbs, and cooked vegetables—I've stopped vomiting. I'm convinced that my low iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiencies are consequences of my recent eating habits, which have been further complicated by heavy menstrual bleeding. Yet, what troubles me the most is the elevated ALP level. I've been experiencing persistent fatigue and excessive hunger for a few months now, dating back to before the vomiting and bleeding began. It feels like something inside me is depriving me of nutrients, leaving me constantly unsatisfied. Despite my efforts to maintain a positive outlook, the situation is frightening, especially since no one has addressed the high ALP levels with me until now. It was the gynecologist’s assistant who mentioned that elevated ALP could be linked to menstrual irregularities. I thought it wise to reach out to this community rather than spiral into despair from googling my symptoms. I would prefer to hear directly from individuals who can either provide reassurance that I will overcome this challenging period or offer insights if this could indicate a more serious health concern.

AsthmaThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
59 minutes ago

Concerns About a Red Bump on My Calf: Could It Be Edema?

Today, I noticed a small red lesion on the rear side of my calf. I'm uncertain about its duration, as I hadn't seen it before. While it may simply be a pimple, I'm contemplating the possibility that it could be edema. I'm not completely certain what it is. For context, I'm a 35-year-old white male, weighing 207 pounds and standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall. The bump is located on my right calf.

LupusInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
59 minutes ago