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What Causes Difficulty Swallowing After Swallowing Chewing Gum?
Question: A couple hours ago I swallowed a piece of chewing gum. Through out the day I have been swallowing as hard as I can, drinking, and ate lunch and dinner but i can feel something in my throat. I can breathe, eat, talk fine, but the pain in my throat is kindof annoying. After i swallow hard, I feel like the gum might be going down, but then the pain comes back. I looked on this website on other questions regarding gum stuck in throat and some doctors said to have a doctor check. Should I be worried about this? Thanks
Brief Answer:
The piece of chewing gum has most probably gone down.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is highly unusual for a piece of chewing gum to remain in the throat like this.
2. As far as this piece of chewing gum is concerned, it can be easily ruled out by a simple VideoLaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy).
3. What you must be feeling is the abrasion caused by the gum while going down or muscle soreness due to swallowing hard.
4. After the VL'Scopy has confirmed that the piece of gum is not visible, medication and gargles will help soothe the throat. Such sensations are expected to last for a few hours to days.
5. Since you have no major symptoms, you may chose to avoid this check-up for a day or two. It is, however, advisable to get a medical opinion. It is not the fact that a piece of gum might be stuck in the throat, but the fact that it may get aspirated suddenly into the airway.
If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
The piece of chewing gum has most probably gone down.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It is highly unusual for a piece of chewing gum to remain in the throat like this.
2. As far as this piece of chewing gum is concerned, it can be easily ruled out by a simple VideoLaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy).
3. What you must be feeling is the abrasion caused by the gum while going down or muscle soreness due to swallowing hard.
4. After the VL'Scopy has confirmed that the piece of gum is not visible, medication and gargles will help soothe the throat. Such sensations are expected to last for a few hours to days.
5. Since you have no major symptoms, you may chose to avoid this check-up for a day or two. It is, however, advisable to get a medical opinion. It is not the fact that a piece of gum might be stuck in the throat, but the fact that it may get aspirated suddenly into the airway.
If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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
Answered by
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