HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)esophagusI swallowed a ginger nausea capsule, and I feel like it got stuck in my esophagus. Help me.

What to do for the stuck-up sensation in the esophagus after swallowing a capsule?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At May 6, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I swallowed a ginger nausea capsule earlier today before six hours. It felt like it got stuck in my esophagus. I have drunk about two liters of water, fizzy water, and juice. I have also eaten three pieces of moist bread. I still have a globus sensation in my throat (as if the pill is still stuck in my esophagus). This has been going on for six hours. It was sudden onset after swallowing the pill. Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please do not worry. I can understand your concern and will try to help you out. As you said, you have swallowed a capsule; usual capsules are made of gelatin coating, which is absorbable. So there is a very less chance that it could have stayed back in your pharynx or esophagus, and if there is a foreign body in the patient's pharynx or esophagus, there will be certain symptoms like excessive salivation, difficulty or painful swallowing, regurgitation, or vomiting. But in your case, you were able to drink lots of water and had some bread also. So I do not think there would be any foreign body left in your pharynx or esophagus. In 90 % of the patients with foreign body sensation, usually what would have happened is a foreign body would have stuck, and as the person forcibly tries to swallow water or something, the foreign body would have passed down by making a small wound in the pharynx or esophagus. This is the usual cause of globus sensation. I would suggest 10 ml of syrup Mucaine (Oxetacaine) gel in the morning and night. Have soft foods which are not too hot and bananas. These should take care of your symptoms and if symptoms still persist for more than three to four days, visit your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. So do not worry and do contact me if you have any other queries. I hope so I could help you. Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much for the quick response. That is a big relief, I just tested it by putting another ginger capsule under some water, and it slowly disintegrated. Is a soft food diet for the next couple of days the most advisable thing to do? Additionally, I experience silent reflux. Would it be advisable to take more Gaviscon advance to help the nick in the esophagus heal?

Answered by Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest soft foods for the next couple of days. This would definitely help your wound to heal, and do not consume hot beverages or alcohol for a couple of days. You also pointed out that you have a reflux condition, so along with Gaviscon (Sodium alginate, Calcium carbonate, and Sodium bicarbonate), I suggest tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg once daily in the morning on an empty stomach. This will help in the healing of the wound for sure.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Akshay. B. K.
Dr. Akshay. B. K.

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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