Ishita Roy

Can You Choke On Your Own Saliva?

Can you choke on your own saliva?

Have you ever been in such a deep slip and ended up waking coughing? Chances are, you choked on your own <span>saliva</span>. Yes, it is very much possible. Saliva is a clear liquid produced by your salivary glands that play a crucial role in digestion and oral health. This is because it washes away bacteria and food particles. The body on an average produces about 1 to 2 litres of saliva daily, and a lot of it is swallowed unconsciously. However, when saliva does not flow smoothly down the throat, it can lead to choking, which can be uncomfortable.

Here's all that you need to know about what causes it, and how can you prevent it.

<h4>How to recognize the symptoms of <span rel="noindex">choking on saliva</span>?</h4>

This happens when the muscles that are responsible for swallowing weaken or malfunction due to health issues and the symptoms may include:

<ul><li>Gagging and coughing without eating or drinking</li><li>Gasping for air</li><li>Inability to breathe or speak</li><li>Waking up coughing or gagging</li></ul>

<h4>What are the common reasons? Why does it happen?</h4>

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back into the esophagus and mouth, irritating the esophagus and increasing saliva production to neutralize the acid. This buildup of saliva can lead to choking.

<ul><li>Heartburn</li><li>Chest pain</li><li>Nausea</li></ul>

Acid reflux can be diagnosed via endoscopy or X-rays. Treatment includes antacids to reduce stomach acid.

<h5>Sleep-related Swallowing Disorders</h5>

When you are sleeping, some abnormal swallowing can occur during that time and it may cause saliva to pool in the mouth and flow into the lungs. This is what leads to choking. This condition is often linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes breathing to pause during sleep. 

CPAP machines to provide continuous airflow

Oral mouth guards to keep the airway open

Growths in the throat, whether benign or cancerous, can narrow the esophagus and impede swallowing.

<ul><li>Visible lump in the throat</li><li>Hoarseness</li><li>Sore throat</li></ul>

Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, depending on the nature of the growth.

Dentures can confuse the brain into perceiving them as food and it may trigger excess saliva production and cause choking. The best way to work this out is by consulting a dentist for proper fitting and adjustment of dentures.

Conditions like Parkinson’s disease and ALS can impair the nerves that control swallowing.

<ul><li>Muscle weakness or spasms</li><li>Difficulty speaking</li></ul>

Doctors may prescribe medication to reduce saliva production or teach swallowing techniques.

Excessive alcohol consumption can relax throat muscles, allowing saliva to pool and cause choking.

Moderate alcohol intake and sleep with your head elevated.

Speaking continuously without pausing to swallow can lead to saliva entering the windpipe.

<h5>Allergies or Respiratory Problems</h5>

Thickened saliva or mucus due to allergies or infections can obstruct the throat, especially during sleep.

<ul><li>Runny nose</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Sneezing</li></ul>

Antihistamines, cold medication, or antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on the underlying cause.

<h4>How can you prevent choking from saliva?</h4>

In case of sleep apnea, sleep with your head elevated or on your side. You can also try and avoid lying flat right after eating and eat smaller meals to prevent acid reflux. It is also important that you sip water throughout the day to clear any saliva buildup. In severe cases, use over-the-counter medicines for allergies or consult a healthcare provider. 

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Have you ever been in such a deep slip and ended up waking coughing? Chances are, you choked on your own saliva. Yes, it is very much possible. Saliva is a clear liquid produced by your salivary glands that play a crucial role in digestion and oral health. This is because it washes away bacteria and food particles. The body on an average produces about 1 to 2 litres of saliva daily, and a lot of it is swallowed unconsciously. However, when saliva does not flow smoothly down the throat, it can lead to choking, which can be uncomfortable.Here's all that you need to know about what causes it, and how can you prevent it.How to recognize the symptoms of choking on saliva?This happens when the muscles that are responsible for swallowing weaken or malfunction due to health issues and the symptoms may include:Gagging and coughing without eating or drinkingGasping for airInability to breathe or speakWaking up coughing or gaggingWhat are the common reasons? Why does it happen?Some of the common reasons include:Acid RefluxAcid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back into the esophagus and mouth, irritating the esophagus and increasing saliva production to neutralize the acid. This buildup of saliva can lead to choking.Other symptoms of acid reflux:HeartburnChest painNauseaDiagnosis and Treatment:Acid reflux can be diagnosed via endoscopy or X-rays. Treatment includes antacids to reduce stomach acid.Sleep-related Swallowing DisordersWhen you are sleeping, some abnormal swallowing can occur during that time and it may cause saliva to pool in the mouth and flow into the lungs. This is what leads to choking. This condition is often linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes breathing to pause during sleep. What are the treatment options?CPAP machines to provide continuous airflowOral mouth guards to keep the airway openLesions or Tumors in the ThroatGrowths in the throat, whether benign or cancerous, can narrow the esophagus and impede swallowing.Symptoms to Watch For:Visible lump in the throatHoarsenessSore throatTreatment:Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, depending on the nature of the growth.Dentures That Don't FitDentures can confuse the brain into perceiving them as food and it may trigger excess saliva production and cause choking. The best way to work this out is by consulting a dentist for proper fitting and adjustment of dentures.Neurological DisordersConditions like Parkinson’s disease and ALS can impair the nerves that control swallowing.Additional Symptoms:Muscle weakness or spasmsDifficulty speakingTreatment:Doctors may prescribe medication to reduce saliva production or teach swallowing techniques.Heavy Alcohol UseExcessive alcohol consumption can relax throat muscles, allowing saliva to pool and cause choking.Prevention Tip:Moderate alcohol intake and sleep with your head elevated.Talking ExcessivelySpeaking continuously without pausing to swallow can lead to saliva entering the windpipe.Prevention:Take pauses to swallow while talking.Allergies or Respiratory ProblemsThickened saliva or mucus due to allergies or infections can obstruct the throat, especially during sleep.Additional Symptoms:Runny noseSore throatSneezingTreatment:Antihistamines, cold medication, or antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on the underlying cause.How can you prevent choking from saliva?In case of sleep apnea, sleep with your head elevated or on your side. You can also try and avoid lying flat right after eating and eat smaller meals to prevent acid reflux. It is also important that you sip water throughout the day to clear any saliva buildup. In severe cases, use over-the-counter medicines for allergies or consult a healthcare provider. 

can you choke on your own saliva?

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