Gagging and coughing after eating

[lisa j.]

I have a problem that has worsened over the last year.  After
eating meals, I cough and gag within about 5 minutes.  These
episodes last about 10 minutes.  I do not have stomach pain, or
pain elsewhere.  I have, on occasion, coughed and gagged so
much that I have vomitted.  These episodes occur while I am
sitting or standing, and do get worse if I bend over. Thank
you for your help.

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

Dear Lisa, The coughing and gagging that you describe are most likely the result of food or gastric contents entering the lung (aspiration).  There are a number of possible explanations for this problem, the, relative liklihoods depending on your age and other medical conditions.

Esophageal reflux is suggested by your noticing that th esymptoms are worse when you bend over.

To evaluate your problem, it would be necessary to see a gastroenterologist.  Barium swallow or endoscopy and possibly a motility study would be needed to define the cause for your problem and to determine the best therapy.

[Erik (in response to Lisa)]

It sounds like you may be experiencing some reflux in the esophagus. And you may be aspirating acid from the stomach into your lungs which could cause the coughing.  The fact that it bothers you more when bending over suggest that you may have a hiatal hernia. After you eat does your food initially go down and then you experience the gagging or does it feel as if the food is getting stuck on the way down. If this is the case, you may have a narrowing of the esophagus. The important thing to do is see your doctor and have an upper GI, Endoscopy, PH test, Motility test to see what is causing your problems. There are many ways to treat these conditions once you know what they are. Good luck.   -Erik

[Toula Akladios]

I have a one year old that was diagnosed with reflux.  We were told by age one she should be experiencing no more gagging episodes.  She did fine for a few months, but now seems to again experiencing the food or liquid coming back up causing her to either vomit or gag and cough.  Is she still developing her digestive system or are we dealing with something permanent?

[Erik (toToula)]

You would need to have your child evaluated by a Pediatric Gastroenterologist to find out the problem. It is difficult to say what the problem may be.

[Darlene Tuman]

I notice this too, that I cough and choke after eatting, and within about 2-3 minutes. But I also notice tickling in my ears after drinking.. Is this a common phenomena, or could something be wrong?

[Renee]

hi im 23 and for two weeks i have started gagging after i eat and feel sick most of the day -- i've not actually thrown up except for bile -- there is not any burning or diaherra or any other symptoms just a WHOLE lot of nausea!! wondering if any comments on what this might be-- Thanks

[Renee]

hi im 23 and for two weeks i have started gagging after i eat and feel sick most of the day -- i've not actually thrown up except for bile -- there is not any burning or diaherra or any other symptoms just a WHOLE lot of nausea!! wondering if any comments on what this might be-- Thanks

[renee graham]

fdfsfsfs

[renee graham]

hi i am 23 year old and for 2 weeks i have felt nausea after i eat and most of the day-- there are no other symptoms-- i gag alot but no coughing and have'nt actually thrown up except for bile-(spit is what it looks like) any comments on this?

Thanks

[margaret Jones]

I have had stomach/esophogial pain for almost 8 weeks now.  I have been on Prilosec for 5 weeks and it has helped alot.  I had an ultrasound which was negative and yesterday I had endoscopy which apparently showed esophogitis.  I was too woozy to understand what the doctor was saying or to ask the proper questions.  What is this condition and how can I prevent it from happening again.  I don't want to take Prilosec for long-term.  The other problem I have is having food getting stuck in my troat sometimes caught for up to an hour causing me to throw up repeatedly without being productive.  If the endoscopy didn't show anything in that regards, could this all be in my head???  

[Polly]

Is there diet information for those who suffer with Diverticuli?
I know in general not to eat nuts, popcorn, salad foods.  Would like more information, please.

[tinna]

gagging and coughing: i have this problem as well but it happens only when i get up in the morning and usually fter my one cup of instant coffee (no food before coffee). i wake up and once i stand up i start the coughing because of all the phlegm in my throat.  this causes me to gag and and almost vomit (like dry heaves but ther is mucous production) does anyone now what this is?  it is a daily occurence and has been going on for months now.  i am absolutely fine the rest of the day!  i have occational asthma (winded on exertion) but no recent attacks.

[Melissa]

HI, I have for the last few months I've had a problem of coughing when I eat, I do not cough at any other time except at night.  Somehow  food irritates my chest & causes me to cough.  It also causes phlegm to be produced & my nose to run, though I do not feel congested at any other time, not even at night.  During the night  I do get a tickle that makes me cough.  I have been twice to a GP & they have been no help, looking at me as though I were strange & saying that it must be a mechanical problem or a problem with my throat & that nothing can be done.  Is this true or can I do something, I am asthmatic.  Sometimes when I eat I have to use my inhaler as my chest gets tight.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Marsha]

To Melissa:
You sound so much like me.  I was told by my "GASTROENTEROLOGIST" (which is who you should see) that I had Gerd.  He performed an endoscopy on me and only found me to have gastritis of the stomach, but he said often times Gerd sufferers don't show esophagitis (I don't primarily because I have been taking Prilosec for 1 month and it cleared it up).  I was told that scientific research is discovering that many adult onset asthmatics are actually being caused by Gerd, more specifically microaspirations of reflux entering the lungs.  I really think you should get yourself checked out.  There are so many tests a doctor can do to confirm whether or not you have Gerd.  Also, check out the website: www.drkoop.com/.  There is a chat group that meets every Sunday evening at 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time.  The moderators name is Nancy and we really learn things from each other and don't have to wait long for answers to our questions.  Good luck to you and all my fellow sufferers.

Marsha

[Mary Murphy]

Funny, I have had a persisitant cough with nasal congestion and phlegm production for over 8 years. The coughing began when I would eat anything that was scratchy, like breads, cereals, etc. I feel the mucous building, start coughing and sometimes vomit. Now, it happens anytime I have a tickle or brush my teeth or eat. It is always worse at night. This all began around the time I was in perimenopause. Some doctors have suggested drinking more water. Nothing helps, except to avoid eating until late in the day. The coughing is always worde in the AM. Any suggestions? Not one doctors has reccommended Xrays or any sort of diagnostic treatment. We call it the mystery cough. I am 52 years old and the only medication I take is prempro and my daily vitamins.

[Mary]

Are any of you in peri-menopause?

[Kathy]

My teen son coughs/gags during/after eating almost every meal for about 5 - 10 minutes. He also coughs/gags in the morning for about 15 - 20 minutes as soon as he rises. He also has asthma although 'this' is not asthmatic coughing. When I told our family doctor he suggested increasing his Pulmicort dosage (his asthma happened to be acting up at that time) and the mealtime coughing pretty much ceased. A couple times in the last two years our homeopath was able to get my son off the Pulmicort for several months at a time (until he ate the wrong thing and antidoted the homeopathic remedy) and during those months there was no mealtime coughing either. He is no longer under the homeopath's care and recently the mealtime coughing has gotten worse and more frequent, as has the morning coughing.
This is very embarrassing to my son, and I am very concerned about his condition. The rest of the time he is quite well.
What do you think this could be? I would really appreciate an answer as I am very worried about him.Thank you. (April 20/00)

[Ro 20/6/00]

I have had gagging for over a year now, have had all the tests and now the doctors are giving up.  No help to me though! I am on Losec for the last 5 years but there does not seem to be a connection. I was curious to know if any one has a post nasal drip that might contribute to the collection of phlegm during the night which might cause gagging especially in the morning.

[Randy]

I've had gagging problems after eating also, but mostly at the dentist and under stress and at important events.  Doctors told me that it was panic attacks and agoraphobia.  Sometimes antihistamines help, especially Claratin.  I saw in a journal I accessed thru ask.com where a dentist couldn't get xrays from a patient because of uncontrolable gagging.  Two different dentists
gave two different medications that worked very well.  I don't remember what they were, but I wrote them down and will try to get them here.  This is a problem that is more common than people think and needs more media and medical attention!

[Adam Dickenson]

I have been experiencing the same problems as Margaret Jones. For the past year and a half I half experiences a mental disorientation and what felt like food that had been stuck in my throat. I have felt sick for a while now and I think that I have been too sick to appreciate life and the gifts along the way, feeling like this can lead to depression....good thing I'm a strong individual. Just about an hour ago my throat specialist told me that my barium sallow revealed acid reflux and some esophogitis, I have been the happiest in my life since that time. I have a better appreciation for life and I'm trying not to take nothing for granted, ITS GREAT to know whats wrong with your self! I dont realy follow the bible but I know "where once I was blind now I can see!", maybe I'll start following the bible!

[Sandy]

Would like information on the definition of Crichopharangeal Achalasia (please change my spelling if this is incorrect) and Crichopharangeal dysphagia.  Are they one and the same and what are the differences.  Thank you

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