What can happan if you do not have a gag reflex?

Gagging, or the pharyngeal reflex, triggers when the back of the throat or roof of the mouth is stimulated, such as if an object or fluid comes into contact with it. This helps to prevent items from entering the lower airways and lungs, and can also protect against choking during eating. Individuals who lack the gag reflex may be at an increased risk of aspiration, which occurs when material such as food, saliva or other substances enter the windpipe and lungs unintentionally, leading to potential respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Lack of the gag reflex can have various causes, like certain medical conditions, neurological injuries or surgical interventions, necessitating special care and precautions in affected individuals, such as when eating, and may warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional.