Cough after eating is a common symptom of several different conditions. It can be caused by something as simple as eating too quickly or it could be a sign of a more serious condition such as GERD or an allergy. If you have a cough after eating, it’s important to see your doctor find out the cause so that you can get the appropriate treatment.
There are several reasons why coughing after eating may occur. One common reason is that you are eating too quickly and swallowing air along with your food. This can cause stomach bloating and discomfort which may lead to a cough reflex. Another possibility is GERD, which is when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause a cough. Allergies are another possible cause of coughing after eating.
Causes
There are many possible causes of coughing after eating. One possibility is that the person has GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, and can sometimes cause a cough. Another possibility is that the person has a food allergy, and is coughing in an attempt to clear their throat. If the person has a history of asthma, it is also possible that they are having an asthma attack after eating.
Symptoms
Coughing after eating is not usually a cause for concern. However, if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be indicative of an underlying condition. The most common causes of coughing after eating are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and post-nasal drip.
GERD is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus and often causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus drains from the sinuses into the throat. This can happen when you have a cold or allergies.
Diagnosis
There are a few tests that can be done in order to diagnose a cough after eating. The first test is called a barium swallow. This is where you drink a contrast liquid and then x-rays are taken. This allows the doctor to see if there is any narrowing of the esophagus or if there is anything blocking the passage of food. Another test that can be done is an endoscopy. This is where a small camera is inserted down your throat so that the doctor can get a close look at your esophagus and stomach. Lastly, a biopsy may be taken if the doctor sees something abnormal during either of the previous tests.
Treatment
There are many possible treatments for a cough after eating. Some simple home remedies include drinking warm water with honey or sucking on a piece of hard candy. Throat lozenges may also help to soothe the throat and reduce coughing. If the cough is due to GERD, antacids may be recommended. More serious cases may require prescription medication such as antibiotics or inhalers. It is important to see a doctor if the cough does not improve within a few days or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing.
Preventions
One of the best ways to prevent cough after eating is to avoid foods that trigger it. Common triggers include dairy products, fried foods, spicy foods, and citrus fruits. If you’re not sure what your triggers are, keep a food diary and note whenever you have a coughing fit after eating.
Another way to prevent cough after eating is to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of large meals. This can help reduce the amount of acid in your stomach and lessen the chance of it refluxing into your throat.
Finally, quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Cigarette smoke irritates the throat and exacerbates coughing. If you can’t quit smoking, at least try to avoid smoking right before or after eating.
Risk Factors
There are a few possible risk factors for developing a cough after eating. One is if you have GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is when stomach contents come back up into your esophagus, and it can cause a burning sensation in your chest or throat. Eating can make this worse, as well as lying down after eating. Another potential risk factor is asthma. Asthma can be triggered by many things, including cold air, exercise, and allergies. If you have asthma, you may be more likely to develop a cough after eating if you eat foods that trigger your asthma symptoms. Finally, if you have a postnasal drip, this can also lead to a cough after eating. Postnasal drip happens when mucus drains from your sinuses into the back of your throat.
Complications
There are many possible complications of cough after eating. These include aspiration pneumonia, bronchitis, and GERD. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious complication that can occur when food or liquids are aspirated into the lungs. This can happen if the person has trouble swallowing or if they vomit and inhale the contents of their stomach. Bronchitis is another possible complication, which is an inflammation of the airways that can make it difficult to breathe. GERD is a condition that causes stomach acid to leak back up into the esophagus, and can also cause coughing after eating. If you experience any of these complications, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get treatment.
When to see a doctor?
If you have a cough that persists after eating, it is important to see a doctor. This is especially true if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest pain. These could be signs of a more serious condition such as bronchitis or pneumonia. In some cases, a cough after eating could be caused by acid reflux. If you have this condition, you may also experience heartburn and a sour taste in your mouth. Be sure to mention these symptoms to your doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat your condition.
Home remedies
Coughing after eating can be annoying and even painful. Thankfully, there are a few home remedies that can help.
One simple and effective home remedy is to drink plenty of fluids. This helps to thin out mucus and make it easier to cough up. Drinking warm liquids like tea or soup can also be soothing for a sore throat.
Another home remedy for a cough after eating is to take an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like guaifenesin (Mucinex). This medication helps to break down mucus so that it’s easier to cough up. Be sure to follow the directions on the package and drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
If your cough is due to GERD, you may need to change your diet.
Conclusion
Coughing after eating can be annoying, but it is usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, it is simply the result of swallowing air while eating or drinking. However, if a cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. If you are concerned about your cough, talk to your doctor.
Published on August 19, 2022 and Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by: Mayank Pandey
