It may be food, liquid, or some other material. If it becomes narrowed or develops pockets, this can lead to swallowing problems. Aspiration from Dysphagia But what the heck just happened? A few tips can help you avoid aspiration: And if the batter smacks a home run at that baseball game? Aspiration can happen when you have trouble swallowing normally. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and mouth. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. If you swallow correctly, solids or liquid will go down your esophagus into your stomach. Many of those suffering from dysphagia will end up aspirating, which means that food - along with digestive enzymes and millions of bacteria - veers down the wrong path and into the lungs. down Even so, dont ignore continuous choking. What had to happen for you to swallow that sip? Neurological disorders, such as Lou Gehrigs disease and Parkinsons disease, can damage the nerves in the back of the throat. But sometimes saliva doesnt flow easily down the throat and can cause choking. If they drink formula, try switching up the brand. could i be getting g a cold or or could it be heartburn? This could indicate an undiagnosed health problem, such as acid reflux or a neurological disorder. You may experience this if you have GERD. (2018). Learn more. Can you dry drown from getting swallowing water down the wrong way, even if you supposedly cough it back up? Aspiration pneumonia is more common among people who live in nursing homes. Dr. Thomas Birdas answered Thoracic Surgery 28 years experience It's a reflex: To protect the trachea from being blocked (which would lead to death) or the lungs from developing an infection. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Then still fel read more Dr. Antoneta Master's Degree 3,397 satisfied customers I have a problem that relates to chronic cough and mucous Pain When Swallowing. It also commonly occurs after a stroke or surgery on the throat. If dysphagia leads to reduced eating, then weight loss may occur. But why does this happen? Chronic gastritis occurs when your stomach lining becomes swollen or inflamed. Are older (65 and over). Gurgly Voice. Your doctor may recommend enteral feeding if you have lost a substantial amount of weight or if you keep getting aspiration pneumonia due to the swallowing disorder. You may wake up gasping for air and choking on your saliva. Acid reflux can also irritate the lining of the esophagus. I keep swallowing But there are often ways to resolve the issue at home. When you aspirate, your bodys fight-or-flight response triggers an outpouring of adrenaline and boosts your heart rate and blood pressure. Aspiration Pneumonia Written by Corey Meador, M.S., CCC-SLP at CORA Roanoke. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Many of those suffering from dysphagia will end up aspirating, which means that food - along with digestive enzymes and millions of bacteria - veers down the wrong path and into the lungs. You should also take into consideration that liquids are much harder to swallow than solids, simply because they move faster and are more difficult to manage. (So don't worry if you don't actually see or feel the food come up.)