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!
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.