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What Causes Coughing After An Instance Of Inhaled Chewing Gum?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: Had a small piece of chewing gum in my mouth, I think I may have aspirated into my lungs, but I do not know. It may still be in the back of my throat. I have good throat gag reflexes. It seem dumb going to the hospital but my doctors office is closed today. Might I wait to tomorrow
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do you had cough anytime after this incidence?

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Without clinical examination, it is very difficult to decide the location of gum.
I want to know few things first.
1. Before how much time this happened?.
2. Do you cough after this incidence?
3. Do you feel any kind of chest pain or irritation in chest?
In young age, possibility of foreign body (chewing gum) aspiration in lungs is less likely.
Reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (17 minutes later)
This happened two and half hours ago. I had a gag reaction about 15 minutes after it happened, but I may have induced it. So yes. No not in my chest but deep in my throat. Had to know if this more imaginary, because you mind is looking for any anomalies. I'm a bit fearful that if it has not, it may. I've drank water hoping that it would wash it down my esophagus.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is mostly swallowed by you.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
In my opinion, you must be swallowed the gum. So don't worry about it.
Drink plenty of fluids.
You didn't tell me about cough.
Do you had cough immediately after or later?
I am asking this because if you have coughing then possibility of aspiration in the lungs is high.
So please reply me answer of this.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (13 minutes later)
Thank you for replying. Have I over the past three hours coughed. I have a bit of a [coughing]cold. Have I coughed during that period of time. Yes, but not a violent or heavy cough. Twice during the three hours since then I have gaged. 15 to 20 minutes afterwards and about a hour or so ago. As I said in my first email a bit fearful that if it has not, it may. Thank you G
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Coughing suggest possibility of aspiration in lung.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
Since you are having coughing after the episode and during the time also, possibility of aspiration in lung is high.
Please tell me
1. Do you have throat irritation?
2. Do you have normal tendency to aspirate food while talking?.
I am insisting too much because, aspiration of foreign body in lung can cause chronic infection and lung collapse.
And this is diagnosed only by bronchoscopy (direct examination of trachea and lungs).
So please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
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
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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What Causes Coughing After An Instance Of Inhaled Chewing Gum?

Brief Answer: Do you had cough anytime after this incidence? Detailed Answer: Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Without clinical examination, it is very difficult to decide the location of gum. I want to know few things first. 1. Before how much time this happened?. 2. Do you cough after this incidence? 3. Do you feel any kind of chest pain or irritation in chest? In young age, possibility of foreign body (chewing gum) aspiration in lungs is less likely. Reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.