What causes cough after eating? Causes of cough while eating

Cough after eating, the cause of which can be very different, occurs in many people.

The most common cause of pathology is exposure to foreign body(for example, dust) into the respiratory tract and irritate them.

In this case, a coughing attack occurs once, and it does not recur in the future.

However, in some cases, coughing after eating may indicate serious problems with health, these include:

• pathological processes in the respiratory organs (infections, inflammation);
• increase intra-abdominal pressure;
• organ diseases digestive tract(ulcers, erosions);
• dehydration of the body;
• narrowing of the food opening of the diaphragm;
• strong nervous tension;
• increased acidity gastric juice.

Very often, the cause of cough after eating is the presence of any problems with the digestive system, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this case, the lower ring of the esophagus becomes too weak. This leads to the fact that food is not retained in the stomach, but is thrown back into the cavity of the esophagus.

Aggressive stomach contents negatively affect the mucous membrane of the esophagus, leading to irritation, inflammation, erosion and ulcerative lesions. Along with this food, air that entered the stomach during eating is also pushed into the esophagus. This is why cough with GERD occurs no later than 10-15 minutes after eating. During this time, the esophageal sphincter opens as much as possible.

It is worth noting

The cause of cough may be damage not to the esophagus itself, but to the gastrointestinal tract. It is for this reason that the therapist, when coughing after eating, prescribes a complex of various diagnostic measures to the patient.

Coughing after eating can also be caused by asthma or food allergies. In this case, symptoms appear only in advanced forms of the disease. In this case, the cough does not occur every time after eating, but only after eating certain products. During such a cough, phlegm usually comes out.

After eating, metabolism accelerates and blood circulation improves. This leads to increased work of the bronchi and, as a result, the discharge of sputum. Understand which product caused the appearance allergic cough very difficult, because usually even one dish includes several different components. It has been noticed that most often an allergic reaction develops after eating sweets, dairy products and citrus fruits.

At the same time, asthma itself can be caused by a malfunction immune system, and GERD. In the latter case, the release of food from the stomach reaches not only the digestive organs, but also the respiratory organs. This happens severe damage their mucous membrane. As a result, patients develop bronchial hyperreactivity and, as a result, asthma.

The cause of cough after eating may also be inflammatory diseases throat caused by infection on the mucous membrane (pharyngitis, laryngitis). In this case, after hitting sore throat food particles or as a result of temperature changes (for example, eating ice cream with coffee) occurs severe irritation mucous membrane of the throat and, as a result, strong reflex spasms respiratory tract.

It is worth noting

With inflammatory diseases of the throat, a person coughs from time to time throughout the day. However, it increases significantly after eating food.

It is important to say that not all cases of cough after eating are caused by illness. Often, after examining a patient, a doctor says that he is healthy, although the cough still continues to appear every time after eating. Usually this phenomenon occurs due to poor nutrition.

In some people, the pharynx is very sensitive to irritants. Therefore, they may develop a cough due to eating foods that are too sour, salty, spicy, hot or cold.

They often develop a cough after eating dry biscuits or alcoholic drinks(especially strong ones).

It is important to note that cough after eating, the cause of which has been accurately established, can be treated quickly and easily.

Cough after eating with sputum: causes, classification

There are the following types of cough after eating:

• Cough with sputum. It occurs as a result of damage to the respiratory system. For example, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma, overextension of the alveoli, tracheitis or pneumonia. That is why cough after eating with sputum, the causes of which are very diverse, should only be treated by a specialist. Cough can appear in both chronic and acute diseases. Sputum production may be large or very small.
• Dry cough. It indicates severe irritation of the respiratory tract or the presence of foreign objects in them. Such a cough is very dangerous, because by contracting, the respiratory organs can push foreign object further into the bronchi and lungs. All this can lead to the development of aspiration pneumonia.
• Cough combined with vomiting. Even though it looks that way, you shouldn't take it this state for a cough. In medicine, this is considered to be a type of vomiting. Esophageal vomiting occurs immediately after eating (less than 15 minutes) and is accompanied by strong coughing movements. This phenomenon may be a sign of pathological reduction of the esophageal valve, malignant neoplasms or GERD. In the latter case, stomach pain may also be present.

Cough after eating is most common in elderly patients and children. In the first case, the cause of the pathology is dehydration. Older people usually drink very little fluid. This leads to the fact that the foods eaten cannot be digested normally, and the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs dry out and react sharply to any irritants.

In children the same common cause coughing is the entry of pieces of food into the respiratory system.

Moreover, during the meal itself, foreign objects may not appear, but after eating, after some time, a piece stuck in the throat may block the airways, and then return to its original position. In this case, the cough will disappear from time to time and then reappear. Symptoms in this case continue until foreign object will not be deleted.

As a rule, this happens to young children when they eat green lettuce leaves and apples with rough skin. Children have poor swallowing control and often talk while eating.

Another common cause of coughing with phlegm after eating in children is an allergic reaction. In young patients, the airways are much narrower and more sensitive than in adults. A cough after eating may be the first sign of development pathological process. This cough is also very dangerous, because without treatment it can lead to laryngospasm.

Once the cause of cough with phlegm after eating has been established, treatment should be started immediately.

Cough after eating: cause and how to treat in each case, methods of prevention

Prevention of cough that occurs after eating is to eliminate those negative factors, which can trigger the development this phenomenon. First of all, smokers should give up cigarettes.

Besides overeating should be avoided, especially during evening time days. Patients with overweight must do everything necessary measures to reduce it. Recommended consumption natural products nutrition and, if possible, avoid eating processed foods.

You should eat in small portions, but often.

To avoid dehydration you need to consume sufficient quantity water. If desired, it can be partially replaced with juices, compotes and teas. At the same time, it is worth giving up or limiting the consumption of alcohol and energy drinks.

To prevent coughing, you don’t need to wear clothes that are too rough, that fit your body in the abdomen and throat, because they can compress internal organs and lead to various violations in their work.

It is important to say that dust has an extremely negative effect on the respiratory system.. In addition, it may be the reason allergic reactions, both in adults and children. That is why wet cleaning in the house should be carried out at least once a week. During the heating season, it is recommended to humidify the indoor air using special devices.

If the cough still cannot be prevented, then it is recommended to consult a physician to identify the causes of the pathology. He diagnoses daily cough after eating. He knows the reasons and how to treat it like no one else.

The essence of treating cough after eating is to eliminate the causes that caused it. So, if the cause of the cough is dehydration, then the patient is prescribed electrolytes (Regidron) and is prescribed plenty of fluids.

At infectious processes that have caused inflammation, antibacterial drugs (Augmentin, Faringosept) and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, both in tablet form (Ibuprofen, Aspirin) and in the form of sprays (Inhalipt). Gargles may be recommended herbal infusions(chamomile, sage).

If all this is combined with a decrease in immunity, then patients may be prescribed immunostimulating drugs (Amizon, Isoprinosine). They will eliminate unpleasant symptoms inflammation and the cause of cough after eating.

How to treat a cough caused by food debris getting into the respiratory tract? To do this, you need to stand behind the patient, place his hands between the navel and costal arches, clench one hand into a fist, and place the other on top of him. After this, you should make several sharp pressures into the stomach (no need to put pressure on the ribs).

For GERD, a special therapeutic diet, which implies exclusion from the diet of smoked, fatty, salty and spicy foods. In addition, medications are prescribed that reduce the production of gastric juice by the body (Omeprazole, Omez), improve the motility of the digestive organs (Motilium), and neutralize the acid of the gastric juice (Phosphalugel, Almagel). In addition to this, vitamin and mineral complexes may be prescribed. In advanced cases, surgery may be performed.

For asthma, xanines (Euphylline, Theophylline) and anti-inflammatory drugs (Cromohexal) are prescribed. inhaled corticosteroids(Flixotide, Alvesco), blockers of receptors that respond to leukotrienes (Zafirlukast and Montelukast).

Massage recommended chest. Upon joining bacterial infection antibiotics are used (Erythromycin, Tetracycline). It is possible to prescribe expectorants (Mukaltin).

At food allergies antiallergic medications are used (Peritol, Cetrin).

Before treating cough and unpleasant symptoms after eating, the causes of its occurrence should be tried to be eliminated without medical supplies(establish food, lead healthy image life). In this case, the pathology may go away on its own. However, this does not apply severe forms diseases.

For most people, cough, dryness and irritation in the throat are associated with an infection or cold in the upper respiratory tract. However, not always reflex process is formed against the background of this pathology, since cough occurs as main symptom more than twenty types of ailments.

It is not common for an adult to cough when eating. Eating food can cause irritation in the throat, which becomes main reason formation of uncomfortable sensations. As a rule, it is not dangerous for the patient. But if this process bothers you for a long time, eliminate the risk of exacerbation and consult a doctor.

Cough after eating or while eating occurs quite rarely. This symptom does not cause immediate reaction from the human side, since it is not accompanied by severe symptoms. If with a viral or infectious inflammation dryness and itching in the throat occurs along with fever, rhinitis, painful sensations in the lungs or chest, then the cough after lunch or dinner goes away without brightening pronounced signs inflammation.

The danger of such a process lies in the fact that the patient does not notice obvious symptoms diseases of the upper respiratory system and treat such a process with extreme disdain. Procrastination with going to qualified specialist causes the development of acute inflammation.

Cough is only a symptom, so in the absence of drug treatment there is a risk of developing severe inflammation, as well as the formation chronic stage.

Conclusion

It is known that a disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, if a cough occurs quite often after eating, a number of actions should be taken. Firstly, you should eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.

In addition, you should take food often, but not much. Do not forget to monitor the composition of your diet and eliminate all possible allergens. It is important to consume a large number of water. Do not eat at night.

If precautions do not help you, do not ignore doctors and visit a specialist as soon as possible.

Coughing is a reflex reaction of the body. It occurs in cases where the airways are irritated or need to be restored. A cough is dry when no sputum is released during the coughing process. In addition, such a reaction periodically occurs in children and adults after eating. The causes of cough after eating can be very different. And only after understanding them, you can choose effective methods preventing it.

Main reasons

All causes of cough after eating foods can be divided into several groups. The first includes those that are directly related to the food consumed. Most often, the problem occurs when a person eats peppery dishes or spicy homemade pickles.

Also, the cough reflex can be triggered by acid, for example, in dishes that are seasoned with vinegar or lemon juice. Spices and dressings cause irritation when they get into the throat, and coughing acts as a natural reaction of the body. Children react more sharply than adults to even a small dose of pepper or vinegar.

The cough reflex after eating has another simple explanation: the person choked. Aspiration occurs frequently, for example when he:

• eats quickly;
• eats or drinks on the go or in bed;
• talking and distracted at the table;
• eats too hot food.

During aspiration, small particles of chewed food end up in the upper respiratory tract. The body needs to quickly get rid of such particles so that they do not get into the bronchi and further into the lungs. That's why a person wants to cough.

Sometimes a cough is associated with dehydration. Due to dehydration, the mucous membranes dry out and become irritated. In this case, the person coughs and may complain of dry mouth. It's about not about general dehydration of the whole body, but about its milder form, for example, if he ate dry food, ate dry bread, crackers or other foods of this type and did not wash them down.

The second group of reasons that provoke coughing after eating includes diseases and pathological conditions:

A separate group includes the causes of cough after feeding in infants. It is not accompanied by sputum discharge and occurs in the following cases:

1. Before burping. From the first months of life, a child may cough before burping. This happens, for example, if he ate too quickly and caught air.
2. In case of excessive allocation breast milk at the mother's. When too much milk is released from the breast and the baby does not have time to suckle it, he may cough.
3. With an incorrectly selected feeding position. When a baby finds it difficult and uncomfortable to breastfeed, milk can enter the nasopharynx and cause a cough.

Cough after eating - alarming symptom. It should not be left unattended, even if a person coughs violently once - this is fraught with the entry of food particles into the bronchi. Moreover, the reaction should not be ignored if the coughing is repeated: in this case, the cough is not necessarily related directly to food intake. It may be caused by an illness and require medical attention.

Prevention methods

To minimize the risk of coughing when eating food, it is important to follow these rules:

1. Food consumption culture. If possible, eat only at the table. Do not talk at the table and do not be distracted while eating.
2. Constantly monitor your diet. Eating hot and sour foods not only causes coughing, but is also dangerous for the digestive system. Each serving of peppered food, food with garlic and spicy marinade is fraught with problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. The importance of drinking. Most people like to eat buns and crackers without drinking water or tea. They should be told that eating dry food makes it harder for the stomach to digest food.

In order to promptly identify diseases that provoke a cough and begin appropriate treatment, you need to regularly go for routine medical examinations. Preschoolers need to take them at the age of 3, a year before entering school, immediately before entering and at the end of the first year of study. In the future, it is advisable to undergo annual examinations.

Possible complications

Airway aspiration

Coughing in itself is not a dangerous phenomenon; it is only the body’s reaction to irritants. Serious complications can provoke the conditions and diseases that cause it.

Aspiration is very dangerous. If you do not quickly cough up food particles from the upper respiratory tract, they can travel further along the trachea and enter the bronchi and lungs. This is fraught with aspiration pneumonia - inflammation of the lungs, provoked not by bacteria or viruses, but by the impact of the contents on the tissues oral cavity. The most dangerous complication aspiration – death. This happens rarely and is due to the fact that a large piece of food gets into the respiratory tract, making it difficult to breathe and the person suffocating.

Other possible complications cough is associated with diseases that provoke it:

• gastritis from chronic form without taking medication can go into peptic ulcer stomach, provoke the development of colitis and pancreatitis;
• unhealed enterovirus infection is fraught with epileptoid seizures, cerebral edema and is especially dangerous for newborns and one-year-old children;
• If ENT infections are not eliminated, they will provoke chronic tonsillitis, damage to the heart, joints, kidneys;
• If left untreated, bronchial asthma can cause pneumothorax, loss of consciousness during a severe coughing attack.

To prevent health-threatening complications, it is important not to ignore coughing attacks after eating food. It is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and take prescribed medications.

Cough occurs with many diseases, sometimes it does not indicate any serious problems, or indicates that you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The causes of cough after eating can also be different; it is worth considering the main cases of its occurrence.

Coughing is a reflex process that occurs due to irritation of the respiratory tract when inflammatory process, ingress of dust, foreign bodies and for a number of other reasons. This mechanism is protective; when a cough begins after eating, many people are surprised and frightened, immediately believing that this is a sign of some serious illness.

Causes

Since there are many conditions that can cause a cough attack after eating, it is also important to pay attention to associated symptoms. The nature of the cough is also important; it can be dry or wet.

The main factors for the occurrence of a cough attack after eating can be divided into several groups:

1. Getting pieces of food into the respiratory tract. This is more likely to happen in people who prefer to talk while eating. In this case, the epiglottis may allow a piece of food into the respiratory tract, resulting in a coughing reflex, which may be accompanied by a feeling of suffocation and shortness of breath.
2. Various respiratory diseases in acute or chronic stages. In this case, eating food and its passage through the esophagus can be a factor provoking coughing, the nerve endings are irritated, and an urge occurs. In this case, there are other symptoms inflammatory diseases respiratory tract, colds.
3. Pathological conditions that interfere with the normal passage of food through the esophagus and prevent it from entering the stomach. Such diseases gastrointestinal tract There are several, the most common are stenosis and spasm of the esophageal valve, atony of the esophagus, and various tumors.

These are the main factors leading to a coughing attack after eating. It is worth remembering that to determine exact reason occurrence of symptoms without additional diagnostics can be quite difficult, especially if there are no other manifestations of any diseases.

Important! Very often, a cough attack while eating occurs due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is briefly called GERD.

Wet cough

The wet type of cough is accompanied by the production of sputum, which can be different in nature depending on the disease that provoked its occurrence. At meals this symptom most often occurs due to inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. Food passing through the esophagus irritates the nerve endings and provokes coughing.

Cough with phlegm after eating usually occurs when chronic diseases lungs and respiratory tract. Most often, such diseases include Chronical bronchitis, bronchial asthma, emphysema. When eating when irritated nerve endings The secretion of mucus increases and an attack occurs.

Dry cough

A dry cough attack during a meal or immediately after eating may indicate a foreign body entering the respiratory tract. In this case, coughing should not be restrained under any circumstances; a piece of food must come out. If a foreign body passes further down the respiratory tract, it may cause aspiration pneumonia- a dangerous acute disease.

When a foreign body enters the body, the cough is usually very strong, and the person often develops increased tear production, face turns red. Coughing may be accompanied by a feeling of suffocation. A person who has choked on food should be given help.

If after eating you have a sore throat and a dry cough, but there is definitely no foreign body entering, this may be caused by the dryness of the food, too much big amount salts, mucous irritating seasonings and spices. In this case, it is enough to drink a couple of glasses of water or tea for the discomfort to go away.

Important! Also, this symptom may indicate an allergy to any product that was eaten.

Cough with nausea

The correct name for this symptom is esophageal vomiting, which is what is called the condition when vomit comes out along with a cough. This symptom is more alarming; it may indicate serious illnesses gastrointestinal tract.

These diseases include esophageal valve stenosis and GERD. Esophageal vomiting can also be caused by the formation of a tumor in the esophagus. With these diseases, vomiting with a coughing attack occurs immediately after eating. If vomit begins to come out only after an hour or two, this indicates gastric vomiting, which is usually not accompanied by a cough.

However, it is worth noting that an attack of nausea during coughing after eating can common illness respiratory tract, for example bad cold, especially when the cough becomes wet. If the attacks are so intense, you should consult a doctor; most likely, you need to take mucolytic drugs that dilute sputum and facilitate its removal.

The reasons for a child are usually the same as for adults. Moreover, in children more likely the occurrence of a cough attack after eating against a background of colds and lung diseases.

However, if the attack is accompanied severe nausea or vomiting, consult a doctor. Since this symptom may indicate a serious pathology, it can be extremely dangerous for the child. The earlier the disease is detected and treatment is started, the more favorable outcome.

Which doctor should I contact?

If the reason is colds, or it cannot be simply determined by symptoms, you should consult a general practitioner. After analyzing the complaints, this specialist can redirect to a more suitable doctor.

If a coughing attack is accompanied by vomiting, you should immediately go to a gastroenterologist, since this symptom usually occurs against the background of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

How to treat

First of all, you need to select remedies to treat the disease that caused the cough attack. You should not choose medications on your own without prior examination, otherwise you can only do harm.

In order for a single attack to pass, you should do a couple deep breaths, drink a glass of water. If the attack was caused by a foreign body, you should cough, then drink and breathe. If the reason was bronchial asthma, you should use an inhaler.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicines will help cope with sore throat and unpleasant sensations caused by cough.

1. If a sore throat occurs after an attack, you should gargle with chamomile infusion. Take a spoonful of the dried plant per glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour.
2. Honey will also help. You can dilute it in water or just take a couple of spoons with tea. This tool softens cough and helps get rid of sore throat.

If coughing attacks recur frequently, you should definitely consult a doctor.