The water gag: why some of us choke after drinking

We’ve all been there. You’re at a fancy restaurant, you take a sip of water and suddenly you’re spitting it out like a toddler who just discovered the flavor of broccoli. It’s embarrassing, inconvenient, and most importantly, confusing.

But fear not! Today we’re diving into the world of water gags and discovering why some people suffer from this unwanted phenomenon.

What is the Water Gag?

The “Water gag” or as medical professionals call it – laryngeal spasm, occurs when liquid enters your airway instead of going down to your esophagus on its way to your stomach. Your body reacts by spasming and closing off access to your lungs through a small flap in between parts called vocal folds or cords in order to stop the substance from entering further into your respiratory system.

This can happen for various reasons such as drinking too quickly, swallowing incorrectly or even laughing while taking sips but regardless anyone can experience the feeling whether they are young or old over time.

Who is Affected by The Water Gag?

While anyone can experience laryngeal spasm now and then during mealtimes if they swallow their foods awkwardly – Young children; Elderly adults; Pregnant women (particularly) females due to changes in hormones (Bull et al., 2020).

These groups have an increased chance that makes them susceptible compared with other populations because usually complications result not only from uneven coordination between muscles used for breathing with those responsible for coordination foodstuffs passing through our oral cavities via pharynxes toward oesophageal pathways which serve-food digestion purposes but also along pathways leading towards assisting in inhaling oxygen accompanied by expelling carbon dioxide- something vital required daily otherwise death could strike within minutes.

Furthermore after some research there seems to be links between heightened sensitivity and the symptom of increased gagging.

Some may wonder if genetics play a role, however studies conducted have not shown clear evidence that predisposition affects this condition among peoples nor been able to indicate the precise causes.

How Can You Avoid The Water Gag?

There are many ways you can ensure that you don’t experience laryngeal spasm while drinking water or other liquids some of which include:

Drinking Slowly

We understand that it can be tempting to gulp down your drink so fast but slowing down allows for adequate time for swallowing fluids properly.

It also enables enough space avoids uneasiness eliminated overfilling as well i.e.tips about staying away from discomfort like digestively induced hiccups (hold breaths briefly before sipping) by making sure air spaces in mouth fill-led forcing us inhale more intake sufferable when ingested into stomach via gullets across chest/throat passages into bellies/stomachs awaiting digestion purposes too.

Using A Straw

Using straw is another way to make sure only liquid comes through into our windpipe at any given point during drinking since straws naturally add an additional layer of protection against accidental inhalation.

Tilting Your Head Back While Swallowing

Tilt head slightly should help fix misaligned food/liquid elements residing precariously near trachea unguided moves towards its target destination by rectifying what gets trapped off conventional alignment pathway thus leaving you feeling more comfortable after taking a sip without worry about unwanted effects.

Other tips include using smaller cups or glasses where needed – switching up temperature hot vs cold beverages – essentially building useful protective reflexes required moving fluid towards gastric areas undisturbed!

What Happens During A Water Gag Attack?

Most people who experience “water gag” describe it as feeling suffocated almost overwhelmed similar sensation one might get holding their breath underwater for extended periods. Others explain they feel like air is being forcefully drawn in or out of their lungs – sometimes even accompanied by coughing, wheezing or choking. In less severe cases the person may only feel a tickle sensation early warns could indicate presence something off within area.

What Can You Do if You Experience A Water Gag?

Luckily, laryngeal spasm effects usually last only few seconds to minutes before returning back normalcy requiring seeking medical attention for further investigations posing significant concern over symptoms persist happen with some frequency due underlying health issues or disease processes related clinical diagnoses making long-term management potentially more complicated.

In milder cases – drinking small amounts of water can help subside discomfort, spending time focusing on controlled breathing exercises like inhaling slowly exhaling deeply using calming regulated breathing patterns through counting cycles breaths may also alleviate and clear pathways away any obstructions that arise unexpectedly.

Alternatively taking breaks during mealtime catching breath between bites similarly helpful ensuring sufficient time for digestion occur without encountering unwanted effect interfering natural food breakdown processes while still enjoying meals favourably nonetheless!

Conclusion: The Final verdict

So there you have it folks! While “Water gag” might be inconvenient and occasionally embarrassing there are various things one can do to avoid it as well as alleviate symptoms when they do appear.
Our comprehensive analysis has shone much-needed light onto the issue thereby hopefully alleviating any concerns our readers had previously. Hopefully these tips will allow you to take your next sip in peace because after all “water should be enjoyed not choked on.”

Random Posts