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Warning-sign checks

Difficulty swallowing: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if choking means you cannot breathe, speak, or cough.

    Also seek emergency help for sudden difficulty swallowing with facial drooping, arm weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, or speech problems.

    These may indicate a stroke.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get urgent medical help if:

    • Food feels completely stuck
    • You cannot swallow saliva or are drooling
    • You suddenly cannot swallow liquids
    • Every sip causes choking or breathing difficulty
    • Throat swelling occurs with breathing trouble or faintness
    • You develop chest pain, vomit blood, or pass black stools

    Children with swallowing difficulty, feeding refusal, poor growth, drooling, or repeated choking should be assessed promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange an appointment if symptoms recur, worsen, or continue beyond a short illness.

    Seek an earlier review for weight loss, dehydration, repeated coughing during meals, or chest infections.

The article also says

Do not try to force stuck food down with more food or large drinks.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Difficulty swallowing. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.