An Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Brig. Gen. Dr. Nii Obodai, has cautioned the public about the dangers of eating and talking at the same time
According to him, talking whilst eating increases the risk of food slipping into the airway.
Speaking on Doctor in the House on Channel 1 Tv, Dr. Obodoi told viewers some things to do to prevent choking.
“Whatever food material or drink, do the right thing. Masticate or chew it well and swallow. And stop talking when you’re eating,” he said.
He added, “We were taught that earlier, but now we think it’s a joke. We are eating, we’re talking, we’re watching film,” while imitating the action of looking at a phone.
Dr. Obodoi further explained that because of the way the epiglottis in the human body functions, it is not advisable to eat and talk at the same time as these actions require opposite movements of the airway.
When you eat, the voice box (larynx) shifts upward and forward, while the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped flap, covers the windpipe (trachea) acting as a barrier that blocks food from entering the lungs.
When you speak, air needs to travel from the lungs through the windpipe and for this to happen, the epiglottis stays upright and open, leaving the airway exposed.
“You’re creating trouble at the epiglottic region. If the food slips into the airway, you’re in trouble,” he warned.
Brig. Gen. Dr. Nii Obodai is the medical director of Roseburg ENT Clinic and a former commander at the 37 Military Hospital.
