I was recently driving and swallowed some spittle down the wrong hole. I was exhaled when it happened and couldn't get my breath. I choked the rest of my oxygen out of my lungs and was unable to inhale. I subsequently passed out at the wheel (HGV). My work mate steered me off the road and applied the air breaks. Is this a medical condition or just a one off? My licence may very well be revoked for 5 years due to something completely beyond my control. What is the medical term for this, or is there even a medical term ????
Hi Graham,
You likely suffered a laryngospasm. When the spittle "went down the wrong hole" it triggered this condition in which the larynx closes. It's almost the same as what happens in drowing.
Once you passed out, it relaxed, and you were able to breathe again.
It could be a one time event but it needs to be investigated. Is there something else that caused this to happen? What were you eating/drinking when it occurred? It would be unusual for normal saliva to trigger this.
You likely suffered a laryngospasm. When the spittle "went down the wrong hole" it triggered this condition in which the larynx closes. It's almost the same as what happens in drowing.
Once you passed out, it relaxed, and you were able to breathe again.
It could be a one time event but it needs to be investigated. Is there something else that caused this to happen? What were you eating/drinking when it occurred? It would be unusual for normal saliva to trigger this.
Thank you for your reply. I wasn't eating or drinking anything at the time. It was deffinatly spittle that I choked on. I have an appointment with Occupational Health Mon 24th Oct 2011.
If it was just spittle then it needs to be investigated. Something might have irritated your larynx causing this.
Good luck with your appointment.
Good luck with your appointment.
I think this may have happened to me. I was eating a sausage & it went down wrong. I remember having a large tightness in my throat. I remember getting up to go to the bathroom. (I thought I was gonna throw up) & then waking up.
Family I guess helped me up & said I was out of it for a bit & had me goto hospital. They saw no bloodwork issues & said Syncope? & concussion. I must gotten that in the fall.
But it happened so quickly I remember. The bathroom isnt far at all from where I was. I do have issue swallowing at times. So I try to drink something first. (I do 4get at times) I was thinking about it. I know sometimes I deal with acid reflux (annoying). Wondering if that is causing a problem.
Family I guess helped me up & said I was out of it for a bit & had me goto hospital. They saw no bloodwork issues & said Syncope? & concussion. I must gotten that in the fall.
But it happened so quickly I remember. The bathroom isnt far at all from where I was. I do have issue swallowing at times. So I try to drink something first. (I do 4get at times) I was thinking about it. I know sometimes I deal with acid reflux (annoying). Wondering if that is causing a problem.
On October 16 I was giving five prescriptions Pro air HFA 90 MCG/actuation benzonatate 100mg inhalational spacing device prednisone 20mg doxycycline I was given these prescriptions by physician media care
and the next day I was driving a vehicle and I choked on some liquid that I was drinking and it got caught in my throat I couldn't breathe it was coming up dripping through my nose and I passed out with these symptoms that I had Would it have played a part in me passing out......... Looking to find any research and How long would it take me to pass out
and the next day I was driving a vehicle and I choked on some liquid that I was drinking and it got caught in my throat I couldn't breathe it was coming up dripping through my nose and I passed out with these symptoms that I had Would it have played a part in me passing out......... Looking to find any research and How long would it take me to pass out