Can anyone else identify with the following?
Something goes on in my throat and it's hard to describe, but I'll try.
It's like there's a gravelly patch in there and certain things get caught on it and it immediately sends me into a wheeze and almost impossible to take a breath. Only last night it reached a new high. It closed my throat completely. I could not inhale at all. I'm convinced that God opened my throat for me or I would not be here today writing this. I've had lots of bad, scary exasperations with this COPD, but this went beyond that.
I was eating at the time. I've also found that if I have a nice cold pop at hand drinking it right away will help. Water does not help at all.
So am I the only strange one with this?
Hi
. That must have been a terrifying experience. Have you talked with your doctor about the throat issues? Is this a new symptom, an old symptom that has gradually worsened or something you have dealt with at this level for a long time? I hope you get some input from the community. Members have complained of swallowing issues and throat pain, but the feeling that your throat is closing sounds more like swelling. Here is an article about throat pain that might give you some clues as to what is going on: https://copd.net/living/throat-pain. Health conditions that cause throat pain might also cause swelling, especially if they have never been treated. I hope this helps and that you get some relief. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) to answer your questions, I have talked with my doctor about throat issues and he is not receptive. This has been going on a long time, but yes, I'd say it's getting worse. I have no pain with this. It just pops up suddenly. Have you considered seeing a gastroenterologist? Maybe it's caused by something unrelated to COPD, like GERD. Even if it is COPD-related, a gastroenterologist might provide a different perspective and have some suggestions for treatment. - Lori (Team Member)
You are NOT alone. Some COPD medicines have the side effect of drying up salve making it hard to swallow. Look at the blurb and ask to change if that appears. I found I could not swallow the bigger pills so had them schanged. Also drink plenty (perhaps just water but I sometemes use milk)) to lubticate your throat. Be aware that there is a known medical complaint which you describe - it seems rare but ask your doctor.
Hi bin there and dunit - thank you for joining in the conversation here. As always, we appreciate your input. It's also commendable that you took the time to clarify the typo. That is a big help for the community.
All the best,
Leon L (author/moderator)can you elaborate any more at all on your statement that there is a known medical complaint for what I describe? What's it called or how could I Google it to find out more about it?
Sorry, Niklet about the delay. . It was something I saw some months ago when I was having problems (which have since improved). I have just googled "throat tightens up" and there are many possible causes suggested by man y "experts". See which you can discard and then decide if you need to see a doctor. Best wishes.
I've experienced a very similar situation ... and as a result no longer eat corn. From time to time a small morsel of food, about the size of a kernal of corn, seems to lodge itself into a 'pocket' in my throat which has resulted in my nearly choking to death, until I can "cough" it into a position which allows me to breath, but which also has left me coughing for three, four, and more hours, until the foreign object dislodges itself. From what I've read, I may be dealing with a narrowed or shruken esophogus which I should confirm with a doctor, but given my end-stager COPD coupled with city elevation and horrible air pollution levels, I frankly try and avoid going out. Again from my research and comments from friends I've heard it is posssible for a doctor stretch the esophogus so all food passes without encumberance - however, what I've also read and has been a lifesaver for me is that in ER's they typically treat same by having the patient drinking several cans of Coke or some other carbonized pop. The article that introduced this technique to me couldn't explain why it works, but ventured that the carbonization creates some sort of back pressure which may actually result in one burping the blockage from one's throat. I've successfully used this technique a number of times and always maintain a number of Cokes on hand.
Hi
. How interesting about the carbonated drinks. I hadn't heard that before. Thanks for sharing what helps. I hope you do eventually talk with your doctor about your swallowing issues. Sometimes, a physical therapist can help. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I seen you mentioned about having your throat checked and possible stretching that you have heard about. My sister having COPD and Crohns disease has had her throat stretched twice now, sure has made of difference for her and how she can swallows and breaths. The cause of the weakened esophagus for her was the acid reflex (GERDs) an coughing caused by both diseases, even though it can happen from just a genetic trait that she was told. Never heard of the carbonated drink helping, but maybe the bubbles help, can say that from my personal experience that anything to cold is something that causes my throat / airway to close up some, have to be careful with that, no extra ice anymore and close to room temperature is more helpful and actually feel less filling on my stomach also. That's my experience though. I so wish you the best in getting this checked out and having the ugly issue solved hopefully.
