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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Fistula To Start Choking When I Drink With Pneumonia And A Tracheostomy?

Yes my name is Debbie. I was diagnosed today with pneumonia in my left lung. My question is I have a tracheostomy (sorry bout spelling) anyway, when I drink I start choking. Do you think I could have a fistula? NO ONE SAID THIS COST MONEY YOU WASTED A SICK PERSONS TIME.
Sat, 25 Jan 2014
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi Debbie,

It is possible that you may have developed a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, which is a relatively unusual complication of tracheostomy. It is known to occur in less than 1% of patients undergoing tracheostomy. The usual symptoms are copious production of secretions, choking due to aspiration of food particles, dyspnea, cuff leak, distension of stomach. Diagnosis is confirmed by barium oesophageography or by CT scan imaging. Treatment is either surgical or by placing a double stent. Please discuss this in detail with your doctor as your pneumonia may also be secondary to aspiration.

Best wishes.
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Is It Fistula To Start Choking When I Drink With Pneumonia And A Tracheostomy?

Hi Debbie, It is possible that you may have developed a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, which is a relatively unusual complication of tracheostomy. It is known to occur in less than 1% of patients undergoing tracheostomy. The usual symptoms are copious production of secretions, choking due to aspiration of food particles, dyspnea, cuff leak, distension of stomach. Diagnosis is confirmed by barium oesophageography or by CT scan imaging. Treatment is either surgical or by placing a double stent. Please discuss this in detail with your doctor as your pneumonia may also be secondary to aspiration. Best wishes.