Have you ever eaten a dry biscuit or a spicy snack and suddenly felt your throat tighten or your eyes water as you choked a little? It can feel sudden and uncomfortable; but there’s a clear reason behind it.
Dry foods like crackers, toast, or biscuits soak up saliva very quickly. When you chew and swallow, there might not be enough moisture to carry the food down smoothly. If crumbs are too dry or rough, they can irritate your throat or even go slightly the wrong way. This triggers a choking reflex as your body tries to protect your airway.
Spicy foods can cause a different kind of irritation. Chillies contain a compound called capsaicin, which doesn’t actually burn you but tricks your throat and mouth into thinking it has. Your body reacts as if it needs to clear something dangerous, which can lead to choking, coughing, or watery eyes.
The effect can be even stronger when a food is both dry and spicy — like chilli-coated chips or spiced crackers. Your throat gets dry, your nerves get irritated, and your body activates its natural defence system.
Luckily, this kind of choking is usually mild and stops quickly. Drinking water, chewing slowly, and taking smaller bites can help prevent it.