ELDERLY PEOPLE have been advised by a coroner that they risk sudden death from a condition known as “cafe coronary” if they fail to chew food, particularly meat, properly.
Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald, acting coroner for north Mayo, gave the warning at an inquest in Ballina into the death of Nora Murphy (81), Currabaggan, Knockmore, Ballina.
Ms Murphy was out for Sunday dinner in Hotel Ballina with her husband, Donal, on January 9th when she suddenly slumped in her chair. Efforts by ambulance personnel to revive her failed and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
At first it was thought Ms Murphy died from a heart attack or some other medical reason, but a postmortem examination later at Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar showed a large intact portion of cooked meat impacted in her larynx.
Consultant pathologist Dr Fadel Bennani said victims of what was known as “cafe coronary” showed symptoms resembling a heart attack.
The condition was well known, Dr Bennani told the hearing, and happened mostly in the elderly and in small children.
Returning a verdict of misadventure, the coroner said elderly people especially should be aware of the dangers of eating a large portion of meat.
“This is a warning for the rest of us,” Dr Fitzgerald added. “We should all be careful to chew food properly.”
The medical cause of death was given as asphyxia due to impacted food in the larynx.