What happens if saliva goes down into your lungs?

Normally, saliva does not go down your lungs. The presence of saliva in the airway can cause several potential effects, depending on the amount of saliva and the person's health conditions:

1. Mild Coughing: A small amount of saliva entering the airway may trigger coughing as a natural reflex to clear the airway of any foreign substances.

2. Aspiration: If a larger amount of saliva is aspirated into the lungs, it can cause aspiration pneumonia. This occurs when foreign material, such as saliva or food, enters the lungs through the windpipe. It can lead to inflammation and infection in the lung tissue.

3. Obstruction: In some cases, especially if the person is already experiencing difficulty breathing or has a compromised respiratory system, excessive saliva in the airway can cause partial or complete obstruction of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

4. Respiratory Complications: Aspiration of saliva into the lungs can increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, due to the introduction of bacteria or other microorganisms into the lungs.

5. Pulmonary Edema: In severe cases, aspiration of saliva into the lungs can lead to pulmonary edema, where fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs, making breathing difficult.

It's important to seek medical attention if you experience sudden coughing or difficulty breathing after swallowing saliva. Your healthcare provider can assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. If you have a history of respiratory conditions or swallowing difficulties, practicing safe swallowing techniques and being aware of your saliva production can help minimize the risk of aspiration.