Why Do I Always Choke While Eating?

Choking while eating may be related to the following factors: Firstly, when eating, one should concentrate and avoid talking excessively, which can reduce choking and coughing during eating. Secondly, as people age, neural degeneration may occur, leading to decreased sensation in the oral and lower pharyngeal mucosa, making it easier to choke while eating. In this case, older adults should pay more attention while eating, avoid talking, and prevent choking and coughing. Thirdly, choking may be related to pathologies such as vocal cord paralysis on one side, the presence of benign or malignant tumors on the epiglottis, or malignancies in the laryngeal region. Fourthly, surgical patients, especially those who have undergone vocal cord surgery resulting in the removal of one vocal cord, may also experience choking. Choking while eating is caused by aspiration during swallowing, which is often due to decreased sensory function of the superior laryngeal nerve or uncoordinated swallowing movements. Examination of the throat usually reveals no significant organic changes. To prevent choking and coughing while eating, one should chew food thoroughly, eat a sticky and pasty diet, and avoid talking, laughing, crying, or playing while eating. Swallowing function training should be strengthened to gradually find and discover the most suitable posture and angle for swallowing. For severe choking or repeated aspiration pneumonia, nasal feeding may be necessary.