Death by popcorn

@snowy22315 (202767)
United States
February 10, 2026 6:48pm CST
I had a scary experience about half an hour ago. I was having a small dish of popcorn when I inhaled something like popcorn flakes or something. I don't even think it was a whole kernel..it didn't feel like it. Anyway, it closed my airway. I tried drinking some water..it really didn't help. I thought I better get to my phone before I passed out..I couldn't really talk, but I thought they might be able to trace the call..not sure if possible with cell, but I have called before..anout non medical things. Anyway..I felt a little better when I got to the chair and didn't feel I needed as much oxygen. Eventually it all subsided and I got back to normal. I wonder what would have happened if I passed out? I have heard of people inhaling popcorn kernels and they lodged in their lung, and they needed surgery .not the case here, but that was freaky. I remember when GW Bush choked on a pretzel. He passed out and when he woke up his dog was staring at him.
14 people like this
14 responses
18h
Wow If that happened to me I think that I would most likely freak out and die having an attack of the heart or so strong similar If you had passed out you might have passed away..
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
18h
It's possible I guess. What a way to go.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
17h
@Ineeddentures Probably would be..At least that is something physical you can dislodge though...not just your throat causing because popcorn flakes were in it.
1 person likes this
18h
@snowy22315 Aye. I can think of worse things , Imagine choking on a Big Mac That would be awful
1 person likes this
@velvet53 (24260)
• Palisade, Colorado
17h
I'm glad you are ok. It is scary when you get something caught in your throat. I have problems once in awhile with some of my meds. I drink milk to help them go down easier. It milk work for other things too, like a popcorn flake.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
17h
The water didn't really help.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
16h
@velvet53 I will try to remember that if something like that happens again Life can be very fragile..and I don't,t want to go now.
1 person likes this
@velvet53 (24260)
• Palisade, Colorado
16h
@snowy22315That's what I used to drink with my meds but an elderly man that I was taking care of told me about the milk trick. It works for me.
1 person likes this
@May2k8 (19683)
• Indonesia
4h
that was scary, glad you can breathe again quickly.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
4h
Yes, was not a lot of fun when it was happening
1 person likes this
@May2k8 (19683)
• Indonesia
4h
@snowy22315 I know, just be careful with anything.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (493036)
• Italy
8h
That was a scary experience, I hope you are well now and the problem did not leave consequences.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
8h
Yes, Thankfully
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
4h
@LadyDuck What was really scary was the feeling I might pass out.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (493036)
• Italy
7h
@snowy22315 - I know how horrible it is and how you feel when you cannot even breath.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (67931)
• Centralia, Washington
18h
That is scary when that happens. I'm glad you are better. Too often I choke on things and can't speak. Not fun.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
18h
At least you have your hubby there. I have had some episodes like this but not for a few years, and I never felt before like I would pass out..This was a real possibilty this time..I was starting to lose consciousness. I think when I sat in the chair it gave my body a jolt and also reduced the demand for air. Enough to allow me to recover.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (67931)
• Centralia, Washington
16h
@snowy22315 It's a mess cause when I choke I can't speak and hubby is left to guess what I'm doing and how I'm doing.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
16h
@sallypup Why does it happen so often to you? They say when you get older your airway decreases in size..although not sure that happens to everybody
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (371423)
• Rockingham, Australia
16h
That is scary indeed. It's one of the dangers of living on your own I guess. Is it time you got one of those emergency buttons that you can wear around your neck? Just sayin'. I'm glad you're okay now.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (371423)
• Rockingham, Australia
12h
@snowy22315 Fair enough. It was just a thought. I didn't mean to insult you.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
4h
@JudyEv No problem I was not mad just upset.
@kareng (80184)
• United States
16h
Oh that's scary!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
4h
It really was in the moment.
@AmbiePam (112381)
• United States
18h
That would have scared me too!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
17h
It was frightening. I should have done that self heimlich they talked about but my immediate thought was to get to the phone. The odd thing was there really wasn't anything physical blocking my airway.
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (47552)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
3h
Holy smokes! That must have been pretty scary. I'm glad that you're doing okay.
@wolfgirl569 (129378)
• Marion, Ohio
17h
That can be scary. Glad you are ok now
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
17h
Thanks, me too. I never had a choking episode where I came close to passing out before.
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (7711)
• United Kingdom
18h
How scary …..im pleased you are okay now.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
17h
Thank you...I am too. I don't fancy dying here in my living room.
@LindaOHio (213462)
• United States
8h
I often think I will die of a heart attack or choking on something. I inhale food quite often...not intentionally. I'm glad you're OK.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
4h
Thanks, it was not a pleasant way to spend 5 minutes
@Kandae11 (56996)
10h
Glad you are okay. It is unexpected incidents like those which make me rethink about living alone.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (202767)
• United States
4h
Yes, something to think about for sure
@MarieCoyle (54615)
4h
I choked super bad on a pill one time,and was home by myself. Like you, I couldn’t get my breath. I was standing in the kitchen when this happened. I remember sitting on the kitchen floor. It was scary!! I’m so glad you are ok, Snowy!