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Suggest Treatment For Food Stuck In The Throat

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Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Question: Our grandfather is the age 88 and was eating, but got food caught in his throut. He thinks he's cleared it but has been occationally spitting up liquid for the past 45 minutes off and on. DO you think he needs to go to the hospital so he doesn't get liquid in his lungs. A few years ago he also had to have his throut stretched.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes!!!

Detailed Answer:
please take him to the hospital as soon as possible. the fact that he is spitting up liquid or saliva means that there is still something stuck in his "throat" or most likely his esophagus. this is considered an emergency, as the esophagus can ulcerate and then perforate (which can be life threatening). He would need an endoscopy to removed the piece of food that may still be stuck. better safe than sorry.
You are also right to worry about aspirating liquid onto his lungs and causing a bad pneumonia.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Enrique Molina (1 hour later)
He is at the hospital and being cared for. We appreciate your expertise and help!

doctor
Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
i hope he did well.
let me know if i can answer any further questions.
take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Enrique Molina

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 364 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Food Stuck In The Throat

Brief Answer: yes!!! Detailed Answer: please take him to the hospital as soon as possible. the fact that he is spitting up liquid or saliva means that there is still something stuck in his "throat" or most likely his esophagus. this is considered an emergency, as the esophagus can ulcerate and then perforate (which can be life threatening). He would need an endoscopy to removed the piece of food that may still be stuck. better safe than sorry. You are also right to worry about aspirating liquid onto his lungs and causing a bad pneumonia.