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gasping for air

I have something strange happening to me...yesterday when I was drinking my carrot juice, a small piece of pulp tickled my throat and then i could not not breathe.  This has happened several times to me. Once eating a salad, another time eating a burger. I am literally gasping for air.  I am afriad I am going to pass out from this.  I am afraid to put anything in my mouth.  What could be causing these spasms?
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Yes, I agree with Caregiver that you could be having spasm of upper airway or larynx. Along with this there appears to be some problem with swallowing or even a strong possibility of severe gastric reflux or even a hiatal hernia causing the reflux. The refluxed contents can then enter the respiratory tract causing severe spasm and gasp. This can take a serious turn.
You should consult a gastroenterologist (a specialist who looks after the diseases of our digestive system) immediately. Meanwhile try a combination of medications (under medical supervision) like a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole empty stomach in the morning and an antacid gel after meals for complete relief.
Life style changes that will help include: Avoid heavy meals and eat frequent small meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, smoking, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Avoid lying down for least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help you.
Possibility of H pylori infection too should be looked into by a carbon urea breath test and a combination antibiotic tried. Many a times a persisting H pylori infection can be the cause behind acidity not responding to treatment.
Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral. Hope this helps. Take care!
Helpful - 0
144586 tn?1284666164
What you experienced was called a laryngospasm. It is a protective mechanism designed by nature to prevent aspiration of food down the trachea into the lung. When food or liquid enters the trachea it "closes up". Thus, many so-called drowning victims are found dead with no water in their lungs.

You have what is called a co-factor. That a condition called dysphagia. It involves the ability of the esophagus to pass food through peristaltic contractions.

The most common cause of dysphagia is a minor stroke. Sometimes the etiology cannot be found.

I would suggest you contact a specialist in swallowing for an evaluation. In the meantime eat small bits of food, chew thoroughly, take only small sips of water, and do not talk when eating.
Helpful - 0
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