Shortness Of Breath can be a sign of respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases ( COPD ) 1, or digestive problems like Hiatal Hernia, and gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD). This can be a sign of an food allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
Shortness of breath or Dyspnea can make you feel as if your chest is tightening or that you’re suffocating. This can be alarming, especially if the symptoms are new or start to occur frequently.
This article will explain the most common causes of difficulty breathing after eating. This article will also help you to recognize when you need medical attention for your symptoms.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis refers to a severe allergic response. The first symptom can be shortness of breath after eating. You may experience symptoms within minutes of eating something that you are allergic to. Shellfish, nuts, eggs, and tree nuts can cause food allergies.
This severe allergic reaction is often accompanied by other symptoms like hives and swelling of the airway and lips. It’s not the case for everyone. Some people may only experience breathing symptoms, but feel as if they are having an attack.
You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms are severe.
Epinephrine can be used to treat both asthma attacks and anaphylaxis. You won’t harm yourself if you use it unnecessarily. However, an asthma inhaler will not help if your problem is anaphylaxis.
After using the auto-injector lie down. Have someone call 911. If you experience any further reactions, you will need to be observed by a doctor and possibly treated.
Food allergies can cause mild allergy symptoms. A allergist will help you diagnose food allergies if they are the cause of your symptoms.
Heartburn
heartburn can cause people to feel short of breathe or wheeze after or during a meal. The stomach acid rising back into the throat is what causes this. If you have difficulty breathing or wheezing, the burning sensation after eating could be accompanied by a harsh feeling.
The lower-esophageal valve is the main cause of heartburn. This group of muscle acts as a sphincter to prevent stomach contents from re-entering the esophagus, throat and upper airways. If the LES doesn’t work properly, stomach acid may move in the opposite direction.
If you experience heartburn frequently, it can lead to gastroesophageal acid reflux disease ( or GERD). People with GERD often feel as if something is stuck in their throat. Other symptoms of GERD include hiccups, a hoarse or swollen voice, and coughing.
Some lifestyle changes can help reduce your heartburn episodes. Losing weight, not smoking, and avoiding alcohol are all part of the solution. You may also want to limit the foods you eat that cause heartburn such as spicy or fried foods.
COPD
COPD is an irreversible and progressive lung condition. Smoking or exposure to smoke is the main cause of COPD.
COPD can cause airflow to be restricted. This makes breathing difficult. The limited airflow can make it difficult to breathe, and lead to a chronic cough or chest tightness.
COPD patients may experience shortness of breath when eating large meals because they take up a lot of space in their chest and stomach. This places pressure on your lungs and the diaphragm – the muscle that helps you breathe by separating your organs from your stomach.
The energy required to digest large meals can also increase fatigue in those who suffer from COPD.
Eating smaller meals, more frequently can be helpful. You can also make dietary changes, such as using less sodium. Salt can cause COPD patients to retain fluid. This may result in swelling, higher blood pressure and worsened breath.
Use supplemental oxygen when eating if you suffer from COPD.
Asthma Related To GERD
GERD is often accompanied by asthma, in addition to the acid reflux. Both conditions often coexist and each contributes to the other.
Acids that wash into the airway can cause irritation to these tissues, which in turn can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma can also cause the LES relax, making it easy for stomach acids to rise up into the throat.
You can help yourself by making dietary changes, such as avoiding acidic foods, like tomatoes or coffee. Try eating smaller portions and avoiding eating late. Speak to your doctor about medication that can relieve your symptoms.
Hiatal Hernia
A hernia hiatal occurs when part of the stomach rises above the diaphragm. Heartburn and other symptoms are similar to GERD. Shortness of breath can be caused by the condition.
Hiatal hernia can be caused by many factors, such as obesity and smoking. Hernias can also be classified into different types.
Hiatal hernias can be repaired surgically to help prevent acid reflux or shortness of breathe. Researchers reviewed six studies on a type of hiatal hynia known as Paraesophageal and found that surgery had a positive effect on breathing.
Inhaling Food
After accidentally inhaling food, you can experience shortness of breath.
Airway aspiration is the term used to describe this. This means that saliva, food or drinks have entered the trachea, which is part of your respiratory system, instead of the esophagus, the tube that connects to the digestive system.
You may also find that people with GERD inhale small amounts stomach acid while sleeping.
Food will usually come loose when coughing. There can be complications for those who have suffered from other medical conditions, such as strokes, which can cause certain muscles to weaken and reduce reflexes, which are necessary for coughing and swallowing.
Achalasia affects the esophagus and makes it difficult to swallow. Chronic aspiration can be caused by it. It is common to experience a wet sounding cough after eating.
In some cases, the infection caused by the substance inhaled can lead to Aspiration pneumonia. In some cases, antibiotics or hospitalization with breathing assistance may be required.
Why You Should Seek Medical Attention
Any difficulty breathing is a medical emergency.
Use your EpiPen or another medication if you experience shortness of breathe after eating. Call 911. It’s possible that you are having a potentially life-threatening reaction.
You may also experience difficulty breathing during meals if you have other health issues, such as COPD, GERD or a GERD. Consult your doctor to determine the cause of these problems and how you can treat them.
Consult your doctor if you are already being treated for a condition that causes breathing problems, but still feel short of breath after consuming food. It may be necessary to change your treatment plan, or make lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD can cause shortness of breath following a meal.
Shortness of breath can also be caused by conditions affecting the digestive system, such as GERD or hiatal hernia. Food allergies can cause a severe reaction.
Speak to your doctor if eating causes you to have difficulty breathing. This will help them diagnose the problem. Early treatment is better for most conditions that cause shortness in breath.
