Question 1

does your gag reflex change during pregnancy? if so, why?

Accepted Answer

Some women may : Have an increased gag reflex related to ^ beta-hcg levels.

Question 2

what is a \gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

Normal reflex: Gag reflex is a normal reflex where stimulation of the back of the throat will provoke choking and gagging. This reflex is often absent in patients with severe neurological injury (stroke) or head injuries.

Question 3

how to stop your gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

Why would you want..: ...to stop your gag reflex?  When procedures are done such as endoscopies, TEE's, and other procedures that require penetration deeply into the pharynx and beyond local anesthesia can be given.  However, just in general, there'd be little cause to do this...unless it is severely interfering in some way with NORMAL daily activities. Please send more questions to: www.healthtap.com/dr-saghafi

Question 4

why do we have a gag reflex? what controls it?

Accepted Answer

Gag reflex: Contraction of the back of the throat is triggered by an object touching the roof of the mouth &amp; back of tongue is a protective mechanism to help prevent choking. The reflex action involves two nerves, one is sensory from the throat (Glossopharyngeal nerve) to the brain, and the other one the motor nerve (Vagus nerve) from the brain to the throat.

Question 5

please let me know if there is any way to nub the gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

Gag reflex: Deep relaxation, numbing the mouth &amp; throat, desensitization by training the soft palate to get used to being touched.
I am assuming you meant "Numb" when you said "Nub".

Question 6

can you get rid of the gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

General anesthesia: The gag reflex is a protective mechanism that prevents mucous, food, or drink from "leaking into the wrong pipe." the only way to get rid of this is through general anesthesia. Besides, one should not try to get rid of this very important form of protection.

Question 7

is hypersensitive gag reflex related to ms?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Multiple sclerosis is a disorder affecting various areas of brain, spinal cord, and eyes, with differing events over time.  An isolated gag reflex change is not suggestive of MS, and could well represent biological sensitivity variations.  If this is a problem affecting eating or swallowing, might have your doctor evaluate.

Question 8

how can i get rid of my gag reflex for oral?

Accepted Answer

Practice!: As with most things, practice makes perfect, there is no magic, medicine, or surgery to help you here. Some individuals have more of a gag reflex than others.

Question 9

could getting an uvulectomy prevent gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

Uvula: No. It is a reflex which protects your airway. Gag reflexes can be voluntarily suppressed by some patients. can be aggravated in others. Reflex varies on a scale of 0 to 10.

Question 10

can having a tonsillectomy reduce your gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: It isn't really well studied but some of my patients have told me the surgery helped with the gag reflux.  You can't count on it, but if your tonsils are huge it stands to reason that decreasing the obstruction can open things up and diminish gagging in the presence of food or an upper respiratory infection.

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Doctor answers about:

Gag reflex in pregnancy

A member asked:

Does your gag reflex change during pregnancy? if so, why?

A member asked:

What is a \gag reflex?

A member asked:

How to stop your gag reflex?

A member asked:

Why do we have a gag reflex? what controls it?

A member asked:

Please let me know if there is any way to nub the gag reflex?

A member asked:

Can you get rid of the gag reflex?

A member asked:

Is hypersensitive gag reflex related to ms?

A member asked:

How can i get rid of my gag reflex for oral?

A member asked:

Could getting an uvulectomy prevent gag reflex?

A member asked:

Can having a tonsillectomy reduce your gag reflex?

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