Don’t Take it Lying Down

According to a preliminary report from medical personnel, a California University of Pennsylvania student and basketball player likely inhaled chewing gum into her lungs while asleep before being found dead in her dormitory.  An autopsy was conducted, but the results have not been released.  Although unusual, death by inhaling chewing gum is not unheard of.  In 2013, 59-year-old English man died after a 2cm piece of gum obstructed his trachea.

Aspiration - the inhalation of liquid, food, or stomach contents in to the windpipe. It can happen anytime, anywhere.  An aspirated solid or semisolid object may lodge in the larynx or trachea. If the object is large enough to cause nearly complete obstruction of the airway, asphyxia may rapidly cause death. Those most at risk of aspiration are the elderly and small children.  Proper positioning is important.  Sitting upright, not tilted back or slumped to the side, helps breathing and swallowing. Positioning after the meal is important, too. A person should remain upright for thirty to forty-five minutes after eating or taking medication. This puts gravity to work, reducing the likelihood of aspiration and reflux.  For children, cut foods into small pieces and never let the child run, play or lie down while eating.

Mark Bello is the CEO and General Counsel of Lawsuit Financial Corporation, a pro-justice lawsuit funding company.