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.

[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)

[Mary]

Are any of you in peri-menopause?

[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.

[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

[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

[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.