Coughing after eating can be the result of food going down the 'wrong tube' (aspiration) or a medical condition such as afood allergy,zure reflux, inupper respiratory infection, ofdysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Depending on the cause, the cough can occur occasionally or frequently. The cough may be dry with hacking or wet with phlegm and phlegm.
Learn about the conditions associated with coughing after eating, when to see a healthcare provider, and ways to prevent it.
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Asthma
Asthmaoccurs when there is a narrowing of the airways, such as aas a result of a triggersuch as an allergen, toxin, exercise, virus or cold weather. People with asthma may have a recurring cough.
They may also have other symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. If you have asthma and experience an isolated cough after eating that does not develop into other symptoms, it is unlikely to be a form of asthmafood allergy.
Typically, a person with a food allergy will develop a cough that worsens and includes worse symptoms such as shortness of breath, hives, vomiting, or may collapse into anaphylaxis. The most commonfood allergyInvolving:
- Milk
- No
- Fisk
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Pinda's
- Wheat
- Soy beans
Food allergy
Food allergy occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to proteins in food.Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. In severe cases it cananaphylaxiscan occur, which is life-threatening if not treated.
Exposure to food allergens can cause watery eyes, nasal drip, throat swelling, and an itchy, scratchy throat that can trigger the urge to cough.
The link between asthma and food allergies
Mild reflux
Mild acid reflux is common and can occur from time to time in most people.Although it is not known exactly why people with acid reflux cough when stomach acid backs up into their esophagus, it may be that the food left behind stimulates nerve endings and triggers a cough reflex, or that you are sucking in (choking) a small amount of acid.
Acid can also irritate your throat and make you cough. This is more likely to happen after a meal. Some people find that certain foodstrekkerzure reflux.
Excessive mucus production
Some people experience excessive mucus production after drinking milk or eating dairy products such as yogurt or ice cream. There is limited evidence that dairy products can increase mucus production in some people.If you experience excessive coughing after drinking milk or eating dairy products such as yogurt or ice cream, consider avoiding these foods or switching to dairy-free versions to see if that helps.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Heartburn(GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid rises into the esophagus and causes inflammation. It is a more serious form of acid reflux that occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter (a group of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus that acts as a valve) does not close properly.
Symptomsof GERD include:
- Regurgitation
- Gastric acid
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the chest or stomach
- Hoarseness
- Vomit
- Bad breath
- Hissing
- Interrupted sleep
Researchers from China have found that coughing after a meal is a predictor of gastroesophageal reflux-related cough (GERC).After you eat, reflux may increase as the contents of your meal and the acids in your stomach that help digest the food are pushed back down your throat.
You may feel the need to cleanse yourself. Sometimes it can feel like there is a lump in the throat or food stuck, which can also increase the need to cough.
Common causes of persistent cough
Laryngofaryngeale refluks
Laryngofaryngeale refluks occurs when acid pushed into the esophagus enters the pharynx and larynx and a person is more susceptible to coughing. This can usually happen after a person consumes common foods such as coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URI)
Aupper respiratory infectioninvolves the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and large airways and is associated with coughing.
Congestion and postnasal drip can result in a cough that persists. It may be difficult to eat during this time as this can contribute to a blocked throat, causing you to cough. Moreover, certain foods canthicker mucusby covering it up, increasing congestion in people who are sensitive to it.
Lung infections: common types and how to treat them
Aspiration
Sometimes small amounts of food can end up in the wrong tube, causing a person to cough or gag to get it out. When this happens because ofdysphagia(difficulty swallowing), a special diet may be recommended. Still, some experts are calling for more quality evidence to support dietary changes.
Aspiration pneumoniais a serious condition that occurs when aspirated food, liquid, or other substances cause inflammation of the lungs. One of the symptoms is coughing.
Dysphagia
Dysphagiaoccurs if you have difficulty swallowing. Difficulty swallowing can change the way food moves through the upper digestive tract. When dysphagia hinders your ability to move chewable food from your mouth to your throat, it can cause aspiration (breathing food into the lungs) and choking (the airways being blocked by food).
As a result, a person will cough. Dysphagia can be dangerous in the elderly and in children, especially those who have other neurological conditions.
Postnasal infusion
Postnasal dropsis a symptom of an environmental allergy (e.g. tree pollen allergy or house dust mite allergy).Untreated postnasal drip can lead to coughing. With postnasal drip, you produce excess mucus that collects in the back of your throat. You feel the need to cleanse yourself.
When should you consult your healthcare provider?
Occasionally coughing after eating is probably okay. However, if you regularly cough after eating a meal, you should consult a doctor.
Additionally, if you have a medical condition such as uncontrolled GERD, dysphagia, or aspiration pneumonia, a visit to your healthcare provider is essential. A healthcare provider can assess your condition and give you an individualized treatment plan.
Tips to prevent coughing after eating
Once you know the trigger, you can create a plan that works best for you to prevent coughing after eating. Some useful tips may include:
- Eat smaller meals and chew well
- Taking medications for medical conditions, such as GERD and allergies
- Avoid allergic triggers and foods that irritate reflux
- Do not lie down after meals
Cv
Certain conditions can contribute to coughing after meals. Being aware of your triggers can help you avoid them. However, if you have recently started coughing after meals and do not know why, you should be examined by a doctor. If you have an underlying health condition but feel like it is out of control, your healthcare provider can help you create a treatment plan that works for you.
