Coca-Cola Ineffective for Dislodging Throat Obstructions

With the holiday season approaching, many eagerly anticipate indulging in delicious festive meals. When faced with the common advice to drink Coca-Cola to clear a blocked throat, a study conducted by Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC) aims to determine whether this remedy is effective or merely a myth.

Investigating the Efficacy of Cola in Clearing Esophageal Obstructions

The study was prompted by anecdotes, online tips, and even medical professionals suggesting the use of cola in emergency situations. Arjan Bredenoord, a co-author of the study, highlights the need to investigate the validity of such recommendations.

Evaluating the Viability of Using Cola to Alleviate Esophageal Obstructions

In certain instances, a food bolus, typically a semi-solid mass like meat, can become stuck in the esophagus after ingestion, leading to discomfort, pain, and difficulty swallowing saliva. Recognizing the potential dangers of this situation, Arjan Bredenoord emphasizes the importance of determining whether the suggested remedy of using Coca-Cola is effective and suitable for providing the necessary treatment.

The study involved 51 adults experiencing complete esophageal food bolus obstruction. Of these, 28 were instructed to drink cola in varying amounts, while 23 awaited spontaneous passage. If complete resolution did not occur, endoscopic removal was performed in either group.

The findings indicated that cola did not significantly improve esophageal food bolus obstruction, with 61% reporting improvement in both the cola and control groups. Complete passage occurred in 43% of the cola group and 35% of the controls, but the difference was not significant.

To conclude, partial passage was reported in 18% of the cola group and 26% of the control group. However, no adverse effects were observed, leading the researchers to debunk the notion that cola is effective in loosening stuck food in the esophagus.

Read the original article on: New atlas

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