What should you do if food gets stuck in your windpipe? Doctor explains the first thing you should do if something gets stuck in your throat
- bySudha Saxena
- 10 Jan, 2026
What is the best thing to do if you are choking? Doctors have explained the first things you should do and what you should avoid if food gets stuck in your windpipe or something gets stuck in your throat. Let's learn about this.
What is the best thing to do if you are choking? Choking is a common problem. Food can often get stuck in the throat due to eating too quickly, talking while eating, or breathing too hard. This condition is extremely painful and can sometimes make breathing difficult. In such a situation, it's difficult to understand what to do or how to get immediate relief. If you've experienced this, this article may be helpful. Ortho and sports surgeon Obaidur Rahman shared a video on his Instagram account on this topic. In this video, the doctor explains the first and most important steps and precautions to take if food gets stuck in the windpipe or something gets stuck in the throat. Let's learn more about this.
What not to do?
- Doctors say that whenever something gets stuck in your throat, the first thing you should do is avoid drinking water. This could worsen the blockage.
- Do not put your fingers in the throat, this may push the piece further inside and increase the swelling.
- Do not lie down straight; this increases the risk of breathing problems.
- Apart from all this, do not run here and there in panic, this will quickly deplete the oxygen in the body.
Then what should we do?
Number 1: Try the Self-Heimlich Technique
Doctors recommend sitting on a sturdy chair first. Rest your stomach on the chair and push your entire body weight downward. Repeat this until the stuck piece is dislodged.
Number 2: Make a fist and apply pressure on your stomach
Make a fist, place it over your navel, hold it with your other hand, and push it in and up quickly. Repeat this.
Number 3: Keep coughing
If you're feeling breathless, keep coughing. Coughing hard can help expel small fragments.
Number 4: Immediately call the emergency number
If the stuck object still doesn't come out after trying all the methods, call the emergency number without delay. Put the call on speaker so help can arrive quickly. Also, if you're home alone, unlock the door so medical personnel can easily enter.
By paying attention to small things like this, you can improve your health. However, if this problem recurs frequently or you have difficulty swallowing, you should definitely consult a doctor. There may be specific reasons behind this. By knowing the exact cause, you can reduce the risk of future problems.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. News Crab does not claim responsibility for this information.




