18/06/2025
I got aspirated early in the evening yesterday, and trust me, it was far from funny.
Even with my medical knowledge, it was absolutely terrifying. I could literally feel my airway fighting for every bit of air. I used to think I could hold my breath for a few seconds, but in that moment, every millisecond felt like forever.
It took several minutes, maybe even close to an hour, before my breathing finally normalized. But by then, my trachea was already irritated. Each breath triggered intense bouts of coughing and vomiting. Then came the headache, my body’s way of saying, “That was a lot.” 😓
It wasn’t just uncomfortable. It was scary. And guess what? I didn’t even choke on food. It was most likely just saliva. No Heimlich maneuver needed, just strong reflexes and time.
But it really shook me.
Before now, aspiration was just textbook knowledge. Now, it’s a lived experience. One I never want to repeat.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, don’t panic. Let your body do its job—coughing and vomiting are natural protective reflexes. But if you can’t cough, talk, or breathe, you’ll need immediate help, pray you are with someone who can offer that help.
That’s when the abdominal thrust (Heimlich maneuver) comes in.
If the person is pregnant or obese, use chest thrusts instead.
Even after a successful maneuver, it’s important to seek medical evaluation, especially if you’re still experiencing symptoms like coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Sometimes, other complications can follow these if not checked.
But if your body managed to clear it on its own and you’re feeling okay afterward, then you're probably in the clear. Still, stay observant.
Stay safe out there, fellas. Life can take a turn in just one breath. ✌️❤️
