Pulmonologist Questions Pulmonologist

How do I know if I swallowed liquid into my lung?

Hello I'm a little freaked out right now. I was having a gulp of Dr. Pepper while swallowing it hurt and felt it go on my left side of my throat if that makes sense. I have never felt that before so I freaked out. I'm not having trouble breathing I feel a little pain sensation on my left arm but I don't know if my brain is making it up because I'm anxious. Should I get checked out?

Female | 19 years old
Complaint duration: 1

2 Answers

Only if there’s cough, fever, chest pain or shortness of breath. Most aspiration events don’t lead to anything bad in most healthy people
You probably inhaled a bit. Is it something I would worry about right now know if it does recur, I would let my primary care physician know so he can have you or she can have you go to a gastroenterologist and a pulmonologist. Until then, I would say no I think you’re in the clear

Be well
Brent Reinheimer, MD