"Experiencing Difficulty Swallowing and Chest Tightness After Chewing Betel Nut?"

Difficulty in Swallowing and Chest Tightness After Chewing Betel Nut

Difficulty in swallowing and chest tightness after chewing betel nut may be caused by respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, esophageal mucosal damage, abnormal neuroregulation, esophageal cancer, among other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, and under the guidance of a physician, targeted general treatment, medication, or surgery may be prescribed. Details are as follows:

1. Respiratory Irritation

Components such as arecoline in betel nut can stimulate the body's cholinergic receptors, leading to contraction and spasm of bronchial smooth muscle, causing symptoms like dyspnea and chest tightness. For mild symptoms, drinking plenty of water (around eight glasses a day) can keep the respiratory tract moist, aiding in mucus expulsion and maintaining airway patency. For severe symptoms, medications like Salbutamol Sulfate Tablets, Ipratropium Bromide Solution for Inhalation, and Terbutaline Sulfate Nebulizing Solution may be prescribed to dilate bronchi, relieve spasms, and facilitate mucus expulsion.

2. Allergic Reactions

If the patient is allergic to certain components in betel nut, these allergens may cause allergic inflammation in the respiratory and digestive tracts, leading to symptoms like mucosal swelling, bronchial spasm, and subsequently, dyspnea and chest tightness. Loratadine Tablets, Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets, or Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Tablets can be prescribed to alleviate allergic symptoms, reduce respiratory mucosal swelling, and decrease inflammatory exudate.

3. Esophageal Mucosal Damage

Chewing betel nut can directly irritate the esophageal mucosa, causing inflammation or ulcers, resulting in symptoms like mucosal swelling, erosion, bleeding, and subsequent impairment of esophageal function, leading to dysphagia and chest tightness. Omeprazole Enteric-Coated Capsules, Pantoprazole Sodium Enteric-Coated Capsules, or Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric-Coated Capsules can be prescribed to inhibit gastric acid secretion, reduce acid irritation and corrosion of the esophageal mucosa, and promote its repair.

4. Abnormal Neuroregulation

Betel nut contains alkaloids such as arecoline and nicotine, which can stimulate the nervous system, leading to abnormal neuroregulation. The difficulty in swallowing and chest tightness after chewing betel nut may also be due to its stimulation of nerve endings in the throat and esophagus, causing reflexive contraction and exacerbating dysphagia. Hydrocortisone Acetate Tablets, Atropine Sulfate Tablets, or Vitamin B1 Tablets can be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.

5. Esophageal Cancer

Chewing betel nut can irritate the esophageal mucosa, leading to inflammation or ulcers, which may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. As the tumor grows, it can obstruct the esophageal lumen, impeding food passage and causing dysphagia. Additionally, tumor growth consumes significant energy and oxygen, leading to symptoms like chest tightness. Surgical procedures like esophagectomy or endoscopic esophageal resection may be necessary under medical guidance to alleviate dysphagia and chest tightness. It could also be attributed to lung cancer, oral cancer, etc. Regular oral examinations can help detect and address oral issues promptly, preventing deterioration caused by betel nut chewing.