For the past 3 weeks, about half the times I have eaten I have coughed and gagged for a few minutes. I get a feeling in my throat that makes me want to cough. I cough so hard that I gag and feel like I can't breathe. It all started back when I had a virus (100.4 degree temperature, migraines that wouldn't go away with pain meds, and the coughing/gagging). The other two symptoms have gone away, but I still cough and gag after eating. I have had episodes recently after eating at Chipotle (white rice, pinto beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, corn), having 1/4 muffin with orange juice, and, on a separate occasion having baked beans with cheese and a hotdog.
I saw my primary doctor yesterday. She put me on Prevacid 20mg for 2 weeks because she thinks it might be acid reflux. My mom does have Barrett's syndrome (a type of gastroesophageal reflux disease). However, my mom didn't have issues with it until she was 45 and I am 21. I feel like it can't be acid reflux because I start coughing and gagging right after eating, so I don't think acid reflux would start that quickly. The doctor also sent me for blood work. I asked her to refer me to an allergist, but she said this has nothing to do with allergies. I thought maybe it could be an allergy to artificial sweetner. Off and on for years I have been getting an itchy throat and cough after eating candy and gum. Does anyone have any ideas on what this all could be? COPD?