A Brief Overview of Gagging: What is it?

Have you ever started gagging when you swallowed something foreign or too much of something? That is your gag reflex at work. When there is unusual swallowing, your body reacts by stopping it from happening. In this way, you can say gagging is the opposite of swallowing. It is a pretty common occurrence. However, if your gag reflex gets triggered excessively, then that can be a cause of many problems.

What Is Gag Reflex?

To put it simply, gagging is the opposite of swallowing. Your mouth and nose have a passageway into your esophagus, known as the pharynx. Your gag reflex is triggered when your mouth detects you are swallowing something foreign. As a result, your pharynx contracts, and your larynx goes up. This movement occurs at the back of your throat, with guidance from your nerves and muscles. Gagging is a healthy response of your body.

Is Gag Reflex a Cause for Concern in Children?

Gagging is common for children under 4 years of age. Gradually, as the child grows, their oral functions become more responsible, and they stop frequent gagging. A child starts using their nose to inhale and exhale. Moreover, swallowing takes the place of breathing and suction.

It is difficult to swallow for adults who go through chronic gagging. People who suffer from dysphagia also come across additional triggers of gag reflex.

What are the Types of Gagging?

Gag reflex can occur due to two triggers: somatogenic and psychogenic.

1. Somatogenic

When a stimulus makes direct, physical contact with the trigger point, it is called a somatogenic trigger. The touch activates the trigger point, sending nerve signals to the brain. When the brain receives the signals, it causes the pharynx to contract. This gag reflex can occur when you eat a large piece of food or something foreign. Your gag reflex is triggered to prevent you from choking or swallowing something hazardous. The usual trigger points are:

• Base of tongue
• Uvula
• Tonsil area

2. Psychogenic

When you experience an unpleasant thought or disgust, it can trigger your gag reflex too. This is a psychological trigger or a psychogenic trigger.

You can get both stimuli simultaneously. Specific sights, sounds, and smells can also make you gag. For instance, you might not gag when you take care of your oral hygiene. But when you visit a dentist’s office, your gagging triggers due to the multiple causes.

What are the Symptoms of Gagging?

Gagging can bring with it other symptoms, like:

• Drooling
• Rapid or raised heartbeat
• Sweating
• Losing consciousness
• Panic attack
• Watery eyes

To Sum It All Up

A gag reflex is your body’s response to something foreign or potentially generous. When your gag reflex is triggered, your pharynx shrinks to stop the swallowing of the unusual or dangerous substance. You can either get gagging from a physical trigger or a psychological one. Although gagging is a healthy response, it can be alarming if it happens often. Therefore, if you have excessive gagging, you need to drop by your dentist for a checkup.