Gale Mein Kuch Atka Hua Lagna - Expert Treatment in Karachi
Gale Mein Kuch Atka Hua Lagna - What to Do When Something Gets Stuck in Your Throat
The feeling of something stuck in your throat, known as “gale mein kuch atka hua lagna” or “gale mein phasna” in Urdu, can be both frightening and uncomfortable. Dr. Muhammad Ali Taj, with over 27 years of experience in gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy, provides expert care for throat obstructions and swallowing difficulties in Karachi.
Understanding Throat Obstruction (“Gale Mein Phasna”)
Throat obstruction occurs when food, bones, or other objects become lodged in the throat or esophagus (food pipe). This condition requires immediate attention, especially when breathing becomes difficult.
Types of Throat Obstruction
- Food bolus impaction - Large pieces of food getting stuck
- ”Haddi phasna” - Fish or chicken bones lodged in throat
- Foreign object obstruction - Non-food items stuck in throat
- Globus sensation - Feeling of a lump without actual obstruction
Immediate Steps for “Gale Mein Kuch Phasna”
If You Can Still Breathe and Speak
- Stay calm and avoid panic
- Drink small sips of water to help dislodge the object
- Eat soft bread or rice to push the object down
- Avoid repeated swallowing of saliva as it may worsen the situation
If Breathing is Difficult (Emergency Situation)
- Call emergency services immediately
- Perform the Heimlich maneuver if trained
- Lean forward and cough forcefully
- Do not attempt to remove the object with fingers
When to See Dr. Taj Immediately
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing (“saans lene mein takleef”)
- Complete inability to swallow (“nigalne mein mushkil”)
- Severe chest pain (“seene mein dard”)
- Persistent coughing with inability to clear throat
- Drooling due to inability to swallow saliva
- Voice changes or inability to speak clearly
Common Causes of “Gale Mein Atakna”
Food-Related Obstructions
- Large meat pieces not properly chewed
- Fish bones (“machli ki haddi”)
- Chicken bones (“murgi ki haddi”)
- Dry or sticky foods like rice or bread
- Nuts and seeds
Medical Conditions
- Esophageal stricture (narrowing of food pipe)
- Achalasia (swallowing disorder)
- GERD causing inflammation
- Tumors in throat or esophagus
Dr. Taj’s Advanced Treatment Approach
Diagnostic Procedures
Dr. Taj uses state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques to diagnose and treat throat obstructions:
Upper GI Endoscopy
A flexible tube with a camera is used to visualize the throat and esophagus, allowing Dr. Taj to locate and safely remove stuck objects.
Emergency Endoscopic Removal
With over 13,500 successful procedures, Dr. Taj can safely remove foreign objects using specialized endoscopic instruments without the need for surgery.
Treatment Options
- Endoscopic extraction for foreign objects
- Balloon dilation for strictures
- Medication therapy for underlying conditions
- Dietary counseling to prevent future episodes
Prevention of “Gale Mein Phasna”
Safe Eating Practices
- Chew food thoroughly before swallowing
- Cut meat into small pieces
- Remove bones from fish and chicken carefully
- Eat slowly and avoid talking while eating
- Stay hydrated during meals
Special Precautions
- Avoid hard candies and whole nuts for children
- Be cautious with sticky foods like “gud” (jaggery)
- Check dentures fit properly if wearing them
- Limit alcohol consumption during meals
What Not to Do When Something is Stuck
Dangerous Actions to Avoid
- Do not induce vomiting - this can worsen the obstruction
- Avoid using fingers to try to remove the object
- Do not drink large amounts of water at once
- Avoid carbonated drinks which may cause expansion
- Do not wait too long before seeking medical help
Globus Sensation (“Gale Mein Gudgudi”)
Sometimes patients feel something stuck in their throat when nothing is actually there. This “globus sensation” can be caused by:
- Acid reflux (“pet mein tezabi”)
- Stress and anxiety
- Muscle tension in throat
- Post-nasal drip
Dr. Taj can help identify and treat the underlying cause of persistent throat sensations.
Emergency Contact and Appointments
For throat obstruction emergencies or persistent swallowing difficulties, contact Dr. Taj immediately via WhatsApp at 0312 3803935.
Long-term Management
For patients with recurrent throat obstruction, Dr. Taj provides:
- Comprehensive evaluation of swallowing function
- Treatment of underlying conditions like GERD or strictures
- Dietary modifications and safe eating techniques
- Regular follow-up to prevent complications
Why Choose Dr. Ali Taj for Throat Obstruction?
- 27+ years of specialized experience in gastroenterology
- Expert in emergency endoscopy for foreign object removal
- Advanced equipment for safe and effective treatment
- Multiple convenient locations across Karachi
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of throat obstruction with breathing difficulty, seek immediate emergency medical care. Always consult Dr. Taj or other qualified healthcare providers for proper evaluation and treatment of swallowing difficulties.