Anyone else have problems with choking? - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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Anyone else have problems with choking?

Wyndham profile image
7 Replies

For the last few months I have experienced a choking attack (or fit, or whatever you want to call it), about once a month.

As you can imagine this is rather unpleasant. It's not that I mind dying so much, it's just that choking seems a rather unpleasant and painful way to go.

What makes it worse, is that I wasn't eating or drinking at the times when it happened...This means I don't know if there is anything I can do about it.

Anyone else experience this, and if you have, was there any medical help offered? I don't know whether to get in touch with my GP or the Ataxia Clinic about this. I don't even know if they will be interested.

Please note the tags attached to this question are those proposed by the new website - I can't find a way to change them...

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Wyndham profile image
Wyndham
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7 Replies

I have choking episodes quite regularly but usually during eating or drinking. I think its due to in-coordination of the muscles in the throat? It always happens unexpectedly! Ataxia related, I think?

Fifa profile image
FifaVolunteer

Hello Wyndham

I have problems with choking, sneezing and swallowing. The attacks happen anytime, including the night.

I just have to be careful and hope!!!!

I'm afraid they are ataxia related but they don't last long and you learn how to deal with them

See your GP he/she may be able to give you a prescription.

Take care

Fifa

Wyndham profile image
Wyndham

Thanks for the responses. I wasn't sure if it was ataxia related although my instinct said it was.

Not sure how much help my GP will be but after your suggestion, I'll ask.

wendygirl profile image
wendygirl

Hello I suffer with choking when eating/drinking or even air. My speech therapist gave me exercises to strengthen the muscles which so far is working.

Wyndham profile image
Wyndham in reply towendygirl

Thank you wendygirl. I will ask my doctor about this. Good suggestion. *smile*

Zhez profile image
Zhez

Hi, I have the same problem, your GP can refer you to a Speech Therapist who will closely observe you as you drink, eat etc. She found that I have lost the swallow reflex and now I have to consciously make myself swallow every few minutes or I dribble!! Nice, eh? :)

ConfusedAtaxian profile image
ConfusedAtaxian

I too have started with choking. It feels like a dry tickle in the throat to start. The worst one was at a supermarket checkout. I should always carry a bottle of water!

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