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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
possible food aspiration
Answered by
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possible food aspiration
by kele, Aug 27, 2005 12:00AM
I just read about someone who aspirated a cheerio and I am having the same kind of problem. I think I aspirated a piece of white rice night before last. I coughed a lot trying to make sure it didnt go to my lungs but since then I have a continuing feeling that I have to cough. I can sleep without coughingbut am worried that the rice is still in my branchael area or lungs.Does rice also get absorbed and what should I do to make that feeling go away?My internist just said to take a over the counter cough expectorant and another doctor said that wouldnt help and to take an antacid. What should I do?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Sep 11, 2005 12:00AM
, Sep 11, 2005 12:00AM
If you aspirated a piece of rice, it may take a long time for it to be absorbed. You might try to use gravity in your favor by coughing while in the head-down position. Rice is pretty bland and unlikely to cause infection. If you had aspirated something really irritating, such as a hot chili pepper, there would be more urgency to get it out. The over-the-counter cough expectorant might ease your cough but won't clear the rice. Neither will the antacid.
You should see your doctor and get a chest x-ray if you
· don't have relief in 10 to 14 days or
· develop a respiratory infection, especially one with fever.
You may have aspirated more than just rice, such as meat and some vegetables. This can cause lingering problems.
You should see your doctor and get a chest x-ray if you
· don't have relief in 10 to 14 days or
· develop a respiratory infection, especially one with fever.
You may have aspirated more than just rice, such as meat and some vegetables. This can cause lingering problems.
Member Comments (2)
by Duchess47, Aug 27, 2005 12:00AM
To: kele
I'm not sure but I think a regular chest xray would show any kind of a problem, or if your doctor listened to your lungs he could tell if there was a problem. I think that you would have to aspirate a lot more than a piece of rice in order to cause an infection or something of that nature.
