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Cough after eating

I'm not sure where to post this question.
For about 10 years I have had a cough after eating, with congestion in my chest. Usually I notice later that day or the following day I develop small, rash-like red dots on my chest. Originally I thought it might be food allergy, but the same thing happens if I laugh a lot. I have a history of very mild seasonal allergies, no asthma. Have never smoked. Do have GERD. I have had untreated pneumonia once and usually develop bronchitis with seasonal colds. My doctor didn't know what was wrong, so she just prescribed me an inhaler, and it didn't help. Not sure what to do.
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973741 tn?1342342773
Is this a wet sounding cough?  Having Gerd greatly increases your risk of aspirated pneumonia when eating.   I'm not sure you'd have that chronically though as you describe.  In gereral though, cough after eating does happen with acid reflux and GERD.  Do you h ave difficulty swallowing?  Dysphagia is another reason people may have a cough after eating. And yes, food allergies as well.  I'd personally begin a food journal and take notes on what you are eating, when and all about the cough and then look for any pattern.  Try adding in and eliminating foods. A small sip of water with your meals may help as well.  I'm sure this is frustrating.  How long has it been happening, by the way?  
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2 Comments
Thanks for your response! It is a wet sounding, productive cough deep in my chest. It actually feels very similar to when I get bronchitis. It usually lasts for about an hour after eating. I don't have any problems swallowing, but it does feel like my lungs are affected. I have tried to keep food diaries before but couldn't seem to find any pattern with certain foods. I will definitely try it again, it's been a while. It has been going on for about 10 years, but seems to flare up more than usual from time to time, and sometimes I don't experience it at all or it's very mild
That sounds like aspiration pneumonia.  Here are some suggestions for dealing with that to make it less likely.  https://www.drugs.com/cg/aspiration-pneumonia.html  Eat sitting upright, softer foods, drink thick liquids, don't smoke, etc.  Let me know what you think.
363281 tn?1643235611
Hello~It truly does sound like food allergies to me, that, combined with the GERD would be a possibility of why you are having these issues.  Another possible reason is you might have a Hiatal Hernia, this is when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle. A hiatal hernia can also cause the GERD and when you laugh or do anything strenuous, it can push the tummy more into the diaphragm. I would certainly ask you doctor about his.

I would try drinking very warm water, and as you swallow, give a good bounce, this might help to move the hernia back to were it belongs.
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1 Comments
Thanks very much for your response, my doctor didn't mention any of this to me. I will try your advice and and ask more questions on my next visit!
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