Ethan Clarke
If you have plastic lodged in your throat, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few things you can try to dislodge the plastic. Drinking carbonated beverages such as soda or seltzer water may help to disintegrate the plastic and create pressure that can dislodge it. You can also try an effervescent drug like Alka-Seltzer, which produces bubbles when dissolved in water, creating pressure that may help to dislodge the plastic. Eating a tablespoon of butter may also help to lubricate the throat and make it easier for the plastic to move down. If you are experiencing choking symptoms such as severe chest pain or excessive drooling, you should perform rescue techniques such as coughing or having someone give you back blows. If these techniques do not work, progress to abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) and call emergency services immediately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if something is stuck in your throat | Try to cough |
| Bend forward and have someone give you about 5 back blows | |
| If this doesn't work, progress to 5 abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) | |
| Call emergency services if the above techniques don't work | |
| How to prevent choking | The swallowing reflex is triggered as the tongue pushes food to the back of the throat |
| During this phase, the windpipe closes tightly and breathing stops | |
| This prevents food from going down the wrong pipe | |
| What to do if food is stuck in the esophagus | Drink a carbonated beverage |
| Try an effervescent drug like Alka-Seltzer | |
| Mix baking soda with water | |
| Eat a tablespoon of butter to lubricate the esophagus |
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What You'll Learn
Try coughing
Coughing is a natural reflex when something gets stuck in your throat, and it can often help dislodge the object. If you have a piece of plastic stuck in your throat, coughing is a good first step to try and remove it. Here are some tips on how to effectively cough up a foreign object:
Try Different Coughing Techniques
Experiment with different types of coughing to find the most effective one for dislodging the plastic. Try deep, forceful coughing, as well as softer, more controlled coughs. Vary the intensity and duration of your coughs to maximize the chances of dislodging the plastic.
Bend Forward
While coughing, try bending forward. This position can help gravity aid in dislodging the object. Additionally, if there are people around you, ask someone to give you a few back blows while you are bent forward. This can also help dislodge the plastic by creating a sudden impact and vibration.
Stay Calm and Focused
It is important to stay calm and focused when trying to dislodge an object from your throat. Panicking can make it harder to breathe and cough effectively. Take slow, steady breaths, and focus your energy on producing strong, deliberate coughs.
Try Carbonated Beverages
If coughing alone does not work, try drinking a carbonated beverage such as soda or seltzer water. The carbon dioxide in these drinks is believed to help disintegrate the object, and the gas produced can create pressure that may dislodge the plastic. This method can be particularly effective when combined with coughing.
Remember, if coughing does not work and the plastic remains lodged in your throat, seek medical attention. Choking on a foreign object is a serious issue, and it is important to prioritize your safety and well-being.
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Drink carbonated beverages
If you or someone you know has swallowed a piece of plastic, it is important to take immediate action. If the plastic is large and blocking the airway, seek immediate medical attention. If the plastic is small and stuck at the back of the throat, you can try coughing forcefully to dislodge it.
If coughing does not work, drinking carbonated beverages may help to dislodge the plastic. Carbonated drinks release carbon dioxide when ingested, which can help to relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and force the passage of the foreign body into the stomach. It is important to take small sips of the drink to avoid choking.
While drinking carbonated beverages can help dislodge plastic stuck in the throat, it is not always effective. In some cases, the plastic may dislodge on its own after a while, but medical intervention may be necessary. If drinking carbonated beverages does not work, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure the plastic is removed safely.
It is important to note that choking on plastic or any foreign object is a serious medical emergency. If you or someone you know is choking and exhibiting symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or a blue face, call emergency services immediately and perform rescue techniques such as back blows or the Heimlich manoeuvre.
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Try an effervescent drug
If you have swallowed a piece of plastic that has become stuck in your throat, it is important to seek medical attention. While waiting for medical professionals to arrive, there are some steps you can take to try to dislodge the obstruction.
One method is to try taking effervescent tablets. These over-the-counter drugs cause carbon dioxide gas to form in the throat, which can help to relieve blockages by pushing them downward. It is important to note that these drugs may not be suitable for children, and some may have side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, upset stomach, nausea, nervousness, or dry mouth/nose/throat. If you are taking the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole—do not crush or chew them. If you are taking the chewable form, chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
In addition to effervescent tablets, you can try swallowing fluids or soft foods to help lubricate the plastic or push it downward. Drinking carbonated drinks may also help, as they work in a similar way to effervescent tablets.
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Bend forward and receive back blows
Choking is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked by a foreign object, such as a small toy or a piece of food. If you or someone else is choking, it is important to act quickly. One way to dislodge the object is to bend forward and receive back blows.
First, position yourself to the side and slightly behind the person choking. If you are administering back blows to a small child, you may need to kneel behind them.
Next, place one arm diagonally across their chest and bend them forward at the waist so that their upper body is parallel to the ground. It is important that their body is in this position to ensure that the back blows are effective and do not cause further harm.
Then, using the heel of your hand, deliver 5 sharp, separate back blows between the person's shoulder blades. These back blows create force that can help dislodge the object stuck in the person's throat.
After the back blows, check if the person can cough, cry, or speak. If they are able to do so, the obstruction has likely been cleared. If not, you can progress to abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver.
It is important to note that this technique is just a temporary solution, and if the person continues to experience distress or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.
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Perform abdominal thrusts
Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich manoeuvre, are a first aid method used to remove blockages from a person's windpipe. This procedure is only required in emergency situations when a person is choking and conscious.
To perform abdominal thrusts on another person, first stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist. Lean the choking person forward slightly. Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above their navel, using your other hand to grab your fist by the wrist. Then, quickly squeeze your hands in and up five times in a quick, upward motion, as if you were trying to lift them up. Continue the process until the blockage is dislodged or until emergency services arrive.
If the person falls unconscious, carefully lay them on the ground and clear their airway with your finger if you can see the object. Be careful not to push the object further down their throat. It is important to call emergency services, and you may have to start performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Abdominal thrusts can also be performed on oneself. Make a fist and place it above your navel. Grab your wrist with your other hand. Find a table or chair to bend over so you can apply more force. Thrust your fist in and up quickly to compress the diaphragm. Repeat until the blockage is dislodged.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a piece of plastic stuck in your throat, seek medical attention immediately. Call your local emergency services and perform first aid or rescue techniques such as the Heimlich maneuver or chest compressions.
If you have something stuck in your throat, you may experience symptoms such as coughing, gagging, severe chest pain, or excessive drooling. You may also have difficulty swallowing, which is known as dysphagia.
Having a foreign object stuck in your throat can be life-threatening if it blocks your airway and causes choking. It can also cause damage to the lining of your esophagus if not removed promptly.
There are a few techniques to dislodge something stuck in your throat:
- Try drinking a carbonated beverage like soda or seltzer water, as the carbon dioxide gas can help dislodge the object.
- Take an effervescent drug like Alka-Seltzer, which will create pressure to dislodge the object.
- Mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with water and drink it.
