Pill stuck in my throat - when to seek medical attention?

sylviac · Newbie Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

Today I got a pill stuck in the space at the back of my throat where the tonsil is. I was taking two of those mucus relief pills as I am getting over a cold. About half swallow I coughed and swallowed one but ran out of water so couldn't swallow the second. After choking for about 10 seconds feeling like the pill was going up my nose the choking stopped, but now I can feel the pill in what feels like the back of my throat. Looking in the mirror I can actually see a "space" where the tonsil crease is - on the other side of my throat that crease touches itself. When I stick my finger in there or press hard against the side of my neck I can feel it but can't dislodge it.

Here's the question: will it dissolve on its own, or do I need to get it removed? It's a kirkland/costco brand 400mg pill so pretty big. I can almost feel it dissolving down the back of my throat. Either that or I'm getting reflux from the first.

any ideas?? I appreciate any advice
Thanks,
Sylvia

PsyChris · Posted: 03/06/08 - 20:17 Post subject:

It should dissolve on it's own. It may help to squirt saline (or just water) up your nose.

To do this, lean your head back and squirt an ample amount of saline into your nostril and breath in.

Either the pill will become dislodged and you can wash it down with water or it will become coated in water and thus dissolve faster.

Normally I wouldn't give that advice but because of the small size of the object it is unlikely that it would obstruct your breathing.

ksf · Supporter Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 280

I've had problems taking medicines since I was a youngster.
More than likely you have some throat swelling due to the cold you have.
I can't say I've ever had it go to my nose before but when it gets stuck in my throat i do this: I have warm liquid standing by suck as coffee, tea, etc. especially if the pill is larger in size and I figure it will get stuck. The warmth seems to hep disolve it.
If I can feel it "going down" I stand straight up and drink a glass of water to help flush it down. Drinking warm or hot fluids helps with this also.
Hope this helps.

Guest · Guest

this just happened here. chewing gum was the solution

Pill stuck in my throat - when to seek medical attention?

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