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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
I have a tickle, then I choke
Answered by
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I have a tickle, then I choke
by thesmilingdoorman, Jun 28, 2004 12:00AM
Dear Sir, from being a little boy I have always on odd occasions suffered choking with my food, and in recent years I have started to choke while asleep, waking up instantly and catching my breath, While at work as hotel doorman last year I suddenly had a tickle in my throat and instantly I could not get my breath. I recovered an was told it could have been an alergic reaction. Again this year the same thing happened and my neck also seemed swollen. I keep getting very thick mucous at the back of my throat that I cannot shift. Also over the last couple of weeks while on holiday I have had an absess in my gums. last week at the dentist I kept choking all the time I was having treatment. I have now also started to have some kind of Apnea waking up nine times last night to catch my breath. Some years ago I was also diagnosed with Cervical Osteoarthritis. I am now becoming extremely scared that I am going to choke. I have seen my doctor who does not realy care but as refered me to an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. But as you know we in England are very backward in our Medical area I have to wait nearly three months to see him. At the present I have been taking decongestion and an Allergy tablet Clarityn. PLEASE HELP. I DONT KNOW WHO TO TURN TO OR WHAT TO DO
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jul 08, 2004 12:00AM
, Jul 08, 2004 12:00AM
This could be a problem with your swallowing mechanism. That is a problem with the coordination of the throat muscles involved in swallowing. This would be seen during a barium swallow test.
There is a good possibility that your symptoms are caused by a Zenker's diverticulum. This is a condition where an area of the throat becomes distorted and creates a pouch, sort of like a bulge on an inner-tube. Saliva and food can become trapped in this pouch. Without warning the contents of this pouch can be released into your lungs causing you to choke. This would be seen during a barium swallow test. Another procedure would be to look at your throat and esophagus with a special instrument designed for that purpose. The ear nose and throat specialist may be able to do this. However a gastroenterology specialist usually does this. The diverticulum is removed by surgery that is similar to removing the appendix.
This is not an allergic reaction, as you were told.
Your episodes of sleep apnea could be related to your coking problem. However your sleep apneas could be a separate problem requiring a different kind of treatment. If your sleep apneas persist after your choking problem has been treated, you should have a sleep study.
Good luck.
There is a good possibility that your symptoms are caused by a Zenker's diverticulum. This is a condition where an area of the throat becomes distorted and creates a pouch, sort of like a bulge on an inner-tube. Saliva and food can become trapped in this pouch. Without warning the contents of this pouch can be released into your lungs causing you to choke. This would be seen during a barium swallow test. Another procedure would be to look at your throat and esophagus with a special instrument designed for that purpose. The ear nose and throat specialist may be able to do this. However a gastroenterology specialist usually does this. The diverticulum is removed by surgery that is similar to removing the appendix.
This is not an allergic reaction, as you were told.
Your episodes of sleep apnea could be related to your coking problem. However your sleep apneas could be a separate problem requiring a different kind of treatment. If your sleep apneas persist after your choking problem has been treated, you should have a sleep study.
Good luck.
Another problem you may have is GE reflux, which could also cause mucus in the throat. If you have this the treatment is 1. no meals near bedtime 2. elevate the head of the bed or use a foam wedge that elevates the upper half of the body
3. drugs
The tooth/gum infection could exacerbate the situation as the infection could get in your lungs and cause lung problems, another possible source of mucus. So good to keep that under control.
Links:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/allergic_rhinitis.html
Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis
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http://asthma.nationaljewish.org/treatments/alternative/nasalwash.php
"Nasal Wash Treatment
Many people with asthma, or other lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage from your nose and sinuses can make asthma worse, especially at night. A saltwater nasal wash, or nasal irrigation, can help reduce this. A nasal wash:
*Cleans mucus from the nose so medication can be more effective
*Cleans allergens and irritants from the nose
*Decreases swelling in the nose. "
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http://asthma.nationaljewish.org/about/relationships/gerd.php
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
"Signs and symptoms of gastroesphageal reflux disease include:
*Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth.
*Pain occurring in the middle of the chest.
*Coughing and/or choking while lying down.
*Increased trouble breathing while asleep. "
I believe that in England, if you are willing and able to pay to see a doctor privately, that you may not have to wait the full three months to see a doctor.
Here are names of two good ENT's (Ear, nose & throat specialists) in England, whom you could consider seeing, if London is not too far from you (If you are far from London, ask these doctors what ENT's they like, who are closer to you):
Mr. John M. Graham
Consultant Otolaryngologist
London
Telephone: 020 7486 9583
Dr. Graham was recommended by a doctor (allergist) named Dr. Gideon Lack. Dr. Lack has studied and worked at National Jewish Medical & Research Center. Dr. Lack is also in London, at Telephone: 020 7390 8347. A LUNG LINE nurse recommended Dr. Lack.
Dr. John Rubin, Voice specialist Consultant
The Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital
London, England
You can also speak with a LUNG LINE nurse, by calling (in the USA): 1-800-222-LUNG(5864), Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm (Rocky Mountain Time--which may be about 7 hours earlier than your time in England).
Good luck to you!
Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com