HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedies When Food Accidentally Goes Down The Wrong Pipe

default
Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016
Question: Hi.I always thought the saying "An apple a day will keep the doctor away". However, I swallowed a chunk of an apple, while eating and am wondering have I done something to cause a problem and need to visit the emergency room or see my General Practice doctor. I was chewing the apple when a piece escaped my mouth and was swallowed. This felt uncomfortable and I still feel a little something in my throat that makes me think it has not moved completely through my digestive tract. This happened yesterday evening around 7:30 pm. Would I need to take some thing to help me digest this piece of apple or get medical treatment. Do not want to experience some type infection or blockage due to the piece of apple that escape while I was eating. What do you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)
Brief answer...no reason to worry 
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
U see when you swallow something,it has only two places to go down. Either your digestive tract or your respiratory tract.
If it goes in respiratory tract,then one is bound to have violent coughing,which you are not complaining of.
So it has to be in digestive tract only.
Moreover it can not remain there as you must have drank and eaten many things after that. So it has definitely gone down your digestive tract.
Now what I feel is that,while swallowing, some hard portion of the piece of apple has scratched the inner lining of throat which ultimately is giving you the feeling of some obstruction.
I think just wait and watch as it should resolve of its own.
Nothing to worry.
You may even consult your doctor for a throat examination and getting some soothing words from him.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedies When Food Accidentally Goes Down The Wrong Pipe

Brief answer...no reason to worry  Detailed answer... Hello, Thanks for the query. I have read your query and understand your concern. U see when you swallow something,it has only two places to go down. Either your digestive tract or your respiratory tract. If it goes in respiratory tract,then one is bound to have violent coughing,which you are not complaining of. So it has to be in digestive tract only. Moreover it can not remain there as you must have drank and eaten many things after that. So it has definitely gone down your digestive tract. Now what I feel is that,while swallowing, some hard portion of the piece of apple has scratched the inner lining of throat which ultimately is giving you the feeling of some obstruction. I think just wait and watch as it should resolve of its own. Nothing to worry. You may even consult your doctor for a throat examination and getting some soothing words from him. I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query. Best of luck Thanks