According to NCBI, a complication of Thyroidectomy is laryngeal nerve damage effecting vocal cords. Food and pills can get stuck in the throat if the vocal cords were damaged during surgery. If the cords (or part of the cords) are paralyzed, food can get trapped and then inhaled into the lungs which could lead to pneumonia (the body attacking the aspirated food in the lungs). Even if not paralyzed, the vocal cords may be injured and healing, so, the time after a thyroidectomy is a time to watch for pills and good getting stuck.
Verywell.com points out that Individuals with a thyroidectomy need to also be aware that there could be a phantom feeling of having something stuck in your throat. It might feet like something is there when there really isn't. It might just be irritation in the windpipe. But when in question? Play it safe.
According to Healthline.com:
Pills shouldn’t be left in the throat to dissolve. A pill can burn the lining of the throat, causing esophagitis, a condition where the esophagus becomes inflamed. Esophagitis can also be caused by other conditions, such as gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD), infections, or injury. This can make swallowing difficult and painful.
Try these steps:
1. Put water in your mouth
2. Lie down flat on your back
3. swallow
If that doesn't work, try a small piece of soft food. That might be able to kick the stuck pill loose.Just be careful that the additional food doesn't get stuck too leading to a choking hazard.
If this becomes a regular problem? Healthline recommends taking your pill with applesauce, jello, or yogurt.Also, discuss the problem with your doctor to learn about options.
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