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Did you know that over 15 million Americans experience swallowing problems, known as dysphagia, every year? This condition can cause food to get stuck in the esophagus, leading to discomfort and, in severe cases, requiring medical attention.
Swallowing is a complex process involving multiple nerves and muscles that work together to move food from your mouth to your stomach. However, if something goes wrong, food can become lodged in the esophagus.
Read more to find out how the process works, if you end up choking on your food, and how to dislodge food stuck in the esophagus.
7 Proven Methods on How to Dislodge Food Stuck in Esophagus
If the person is not choking from food lodged in their esophagus, the following measures can be taken:
1. Coca-Cola Trick
Doctors often suggest carbonated drinks like coca-cola to help dislodge the food stuck in your esophagus. This technique works as it breaks down the food that is stuck. It is believed that the carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks helps disintegrate the goods or that when the soda gets in the stomach, it releases gas and the resulting pressure helps to food lodged in esophagus.
2. Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Using apple cider vinegar is a natural way to help dislodge food stuck in your esophagus. The acidity of the vinegar can break down the food, making it easier to swallow. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and sip slowly. However, be cautious if you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach, as the acidity might cause discomfort.
3. Water
Discover the numerous health benefits of drinking water for overall well-being and hydration. Drink water in big sips; the food stuck in stomach might be dry, and adding moisture can help it slide down easily. Be careful to keep a full glass and take 3-4 big sips.
4. Moist Food
It may sound counter productive to swallow more food when there is already food stuck in your esophagus, but a moist piece of food can help push down the food stuck in the windpipe. Try bread dipped in milk and take a few bites of it. A banana also works as it is naturally a soft food.
5. Alka-Seltzer Tablets
Alka-Seltzer is effervescent and originally used to cure heartburn and headaches. It helps dislodge the food by breaking down the something stuck in the throat by producing bubbles that dislodge the food because of pressure.
6. Butter
It works on the same logic as water and moist food, aiming to provide lubrication to the throat so that food can slide down easily. Swallowing a spoonful of butter can help hydrate the esophagus lining and help slide the food down.
7. Waiting It Out
Sometimes, waiting it out can work effectively. If there is no discomfort, you can wait it out, so the food passes down your throat naturally. Try to cough, bend forward and you need someone to give back blows, or you can go for abdominal thrust as well. Take medical help if it doesn't get better within an hour.
Heimlich Maneuver Method To Dislodge Food Stuck in Esophagus
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If the person is choking on food (food stuck in throat), it is best to seek immediate emergency medical care or perform the Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich maneuver is required only in emergencies and is performed only if the person is choking. It should not be performed on children below the age of 1 year or pregnant women in the late stages of their pregnancy. |
The steps to perform the Heimlich Maneuver are as follows:
Step 1: Stand behind the person who is choking with your hands around their waist
Step 2: Make a fist and place it above that person's navel and below their ribcage
Step 3: Using your other hand, hold your fisted hand.
Step 4: Now push your fist backward and upward under their ribcage. Repeat this motion 8-10 times quickly.
Step 5: Perform this until the food dislodges itself from the airways and the person can breathe properly again.
Step 6: Ensure follow-up medical care even after the choking has stopped.
When to See a Doctor
If food gets stuck in your esophagus and you’re unable to dislodge it using simple home methods, it’s important to see a doctor. Signs that you need medical help include severe pain, trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, or if you feel like the food is completely blocking your throat.
If these symptoms occur, don’t wait too long. A doctor can safely remove the blockage and check for any underlying issues that might have caused the problem.
Ways to Prevent Choking
To prevent food from getting stuck in your esophagus, resulting in choking, you must keep the following in mind.
1. Eat Small Bites of Food
Taking large bites of food can increase the risk of choking. Ensure you cut your food into small bites before swallowing.
2. Chewing Thoroughly
The digestive process starts in your mouth as the saliva is released and mixed with food. Your teeth ensure to tear food, so it is easier to swallow, so you should take your time with the process. Ensure that you chew your food properly, so it slides down easily from the esophagus.
3. Not Drinking Much Alcohol Before or During Meals
Consuming alcohol while eating may lead to choking as a person is intoxicated. You must avoid eating while or after intoxication or have a sober friend supervise.
4. Not Talking While Eating
Many families get together at dinner to eat and talk about their day, but you should save the family bonding time for after. Talking while eating risks the opening of the epiglottis, a flap that covers your trachea while eating. This is a high-risk factor for choking, so ensure conversations happen after food is eaten.
5. Being Mindful
It is important to sit down and take the proper time to have a meal. The fast-paced lifestyle of many young individuals does not permit them to savor food; with on-the-go food becoming a trend, it is important to remember that you must eat properly and take your time. Make sure to sit down and eat a meal instead of rushing it.
Read Also: How to Relieve Indigestion: 11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of It.
Final Takeaway
The esophagus is sensitive to large chunks of food gulped down and can lead to choking, which can be fatal. If a person is choking because of the food stuck in their esophagus, do not waste time and perform the Heimlich maneuver. Make sure to call for medical assistance, as choking can be fatal.
If the food stuck does not lead to choking, you can try several methods like carbonated drinks, over-the-counter medication for gas pain, drinking a few sips of water, or eating a tablespoon of butter to ensure the food slides down smoothly to your esophagus.
The food gets stuck due to lack of hydration so ensure to bite and chew food properly, so it mixes with saliva and does not cause problems. This blog post should have been sufficient in explaining how to remove food that has been lodged in the esophagus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to induce vomiting?
Inducing vomiting can be dangerous and should be avoided.
What should I avoid doing?
Avoid eating or drinking more, as this could worsen the situation. Instead, focus on how to dislodge food stuck in the esophagus safely.
What should I do first if food gets stuck in my esophagus?
Try drinking small sips of water to help move the food down.
Is it safe to eat bread or rice to push the food down?
No, it can worsen the blockage. Avoid eating solid foods.
Can drinking carbonated drinks help?
Yes, sometimes carbonated drinks can help dislodge food stuck in the esophagus.
When should I seek medical help?
If the food remains stuck for more than a few hours or you have severe pain, seek medical attention.
Can swallowing techniques help dislodge food?
Yes, swallowing repeatedly or trying to cough may help.
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