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

The possible treatments will depend on the diagnosis, @k8idid

When you say, "it will be a huge task to get him to have them," are you referring to mobility or transportation difficulties or an unwillingness on his part to see a doctor?

When I'm actively choking, can't breathe, alone: Would it be a good idea to try to stop trying to cough (It doesn't work at all) and just stay calm until it subsides. I suspect part of my experience is a violent reaction to not being able to breathe. If I just stop, take a moment, calm down, relax and very soon be able to slowly start breathing.
Does this make sense?
I really choked on saliva. I wasn't eating. First time host called 9-1-1. Most recent time, my wife asked if she should call 9-1-1 I motioned no as I felt it was relaxing. Turned out OK. (I will consult with respirologist and rheumatoligist in coming weeks)

@chinasvegas -- Hi. I'm sure some of those choking episodes can be scary.

Have you had problems swallowing food or taking pills also? Or have you been experiencing any vocal concerns... maybe sore throat issues, a feeling of needing to clear your throat ofetn, or anything like that?

If so, it may be GERD related. Just my thought.

But no matter the cause, a good place to start may be with a visit to a local ENT.

Please keep us posted... and good luck!

/LarryG

I am no expert, but I have oral pharyngeal dysfunction which causes me to feel like I cannot swallow certain foods. I was given some hone exercises to do daily, and things have gotten much better. I am suggesting that thick saliva may be part of the same problem. Have it checked by an ENT.

I learned a lot about my esophageal problems from a speech therapist. They ordered tests and gave me good information and exercises.

Jim

Bless You! I have this and I get strangled on it. I started doing this about 3 years ago. It happens for no reason. I start coughing (I pray) and eventually, it stops. I however, do have acid reflux and I take something daily for that. I am going to address this with my Gastro doctor when I go in May. Praying for you. I understand and it is scary.

Hello. Please have your primary Doctor see you. If I had this I would see an Ear Nose Throat Doctor as well. Does it happen worse when you’re swallowing food?

Yes, I have had this issue for many years. My ENT was a big help. He said he hears this a lot from patience with GERD. My throat gets very irritated even from a short conversation. My throat, also constricts if I am in a situation where I am afraid of getting a catch in my throat. Either from swallowing my own saliva or from a tickle from my mouth being so dry. Or if I am nervous. He suggested a mouth spray for dry mouth. Or sucking on a lozenge that numbs your throat. It really does help. I, also have Sjogrens, osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy, and celiac disease. I am a 71 year old female.
Good luck to you! Jan W.

I have a similar problem, usually when I lie down. I try to swallow my saliva, but I'm not able to get the swallow reflex started. It's a bad feeling because it very soon starts to make me feel like I can't breathe, and a panic attack begins. I keep a water bottle and crackers on my nightstand, and if sitting up doesn't help, if I eat a small bite of cracker or drink a sip of water, that often kick starts the swallow switch.

I've had a few swallow tests and learned that I have multiple strange things going on with my esophagus. Dilating my esophagus helps with the process, though that doesn't sound like your issue, but your PCP should be able to get the diagnosis process started for you.

Swallowing is one of those things that we take for granted until it starts misbehaving. I hope you find a resolution soon.

Jim