I have started to choke spontaneously on my own saliva. Anyone else?

Sounds like you have Barrett’s osophagus

It’s such a tragedy that people brought up on the SAD have so many health issues then they have to change their diet to a normal one, if they wish to improve their health, and it’s not easy

Thank you

I feel for all of you. I “suffer” with much of the same symptoms. Diagnosis the same except I also have allergies and sinus issues, for which k take Xyzal. Could that be a contributing factor to your symptoms?
I was on PPIs for years and my primary care just took me off them and replaced with Pepcid 20 mg 2x/day. I’m glad to be off omeprazole but none of my symptoms have improved. Sorry I have no answers. There sure are a lot of us raspy-voiced, phlegmy, chronic coughers out there. Hope the medical world finds something for us.

My esophagus began to close down; at first due to a hiatal hernia which make swallowing food and my medication quite difficult; choked on food and regurgitated pills. A speech pathologist helped me with esophageal exercises to help strengthen the muscles in my throat using daily speech exercises. Then, I was prescribed meds which helped a bit, but after being tested with barium and X-rays, my dosage was increased. Taking only little sips of liquids also helped to open my esophagus, but unless I practice daily speaking with intent, I regress quickly; and there's a program and a book to guide you which is free through Parkinson Voice Project called Speak Out! (Live with Intent). I have improved immensely over the past five months.

I am an 87 y old female and was having this problem since I had a stroke last winter. I keep a jar of Vick's by my bed and use some under my nose when this bothers me; it helps! Also I refrain from drinking fluids before bedtime to keep down # of times I must get up for bathroom. I live alone now, so must figure out these minor problems myself! The excess fluid makes me sneeze and cough sometimes and I keep a box of tissues at hand always! Part of aging!

My husband does, and it’s violent and scary. I just wait for him to catch his breath. I haven’t been able to find a name for this condition. Even his doctor (whom he called at my insistence) was sort of blasé and not any help. I even wonder if it puts pressure on his heart. He just turned 79.

I looked up Barrett’s esophagus, and it doesn’t fit his symptoms.

Hello @k8idid and welcome to Mayo Connect! I understand your concern for your husband. I was diagnosed with a paralyzed vocal cord, and before treatment, it was frightening to experience that "choking" feeling.

Has your husband had a work-up with an otolaryngologist? An otolaryngologist is an ENT specialist who has a special training with swallowing difficulties. An exam from an otolaryngologist can be very helpful. Also, seeing a GI specialist might take the guess work out of your husband's problems. Has he had a swallowing test done?

What type of medical workups has your husband had to determine the cause of his choking?

He hasn’t had any tests at all. And it will be a huge task to get him to have them. What are some possible treatments for this? Thank you so much for your help.