vagus nerve problems

For the past 4 years I've been either pregnant or breastfeeding...just recently i stopped breastfeeding my son after 2 years...and now I feel like I have vagal nerve problems...  I feel like i always have to cough...my heart goes crazy after i eat anything spicy or if i cough or burp...or having a bowel movement...my head and minor body part are always jerking...i'm having swallowing difficulities...and i'm blinking excessively... and i'm short of breath...i don't know what to tell my doctor about this...does hormonal changes affect the vagus nerve?

[Craig Brooker]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without being able to do a full history and exam, it's rather difficult to put your symptoms together in a cohesive way.  Most of your symptoms cannot be explained by a problem with your vagal nerve.  You do mention a persistent need to cough which is often associated with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) which is common after pregnancy.  Otherwise there are certain medications (e.g. ACE inhibitors) that can cause cough as well.   Your other symptoms are rather more challenging to develop a hypothesis that would link them all.  I would recommend going to your primary care physician to be further assessed.  Additionally, if your stress levels have increased recently, this could potentially be playing a role.  

[nikgirl28]

Thank you craig...actually i am displaying signs of acid reflux...i have a burning sensation in my chest and upper back...and burp up abit of bile after i eat...maybe what i thought was a nerve problem is something that is affecting my esophagus...
Thank-you