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After I eat I cough and get out of breath

I have been diagnosed with bronchitis some time ago but this is the first time I’ve had a problem with eating, normally when my bronchitis flares up I just cough up mucus, but I never had a problem with eating

  1. Hi  - thanks for posting your concerns here. Acute bronchitis may sometimes be associated with asthma so, if you also have a diagnosis of asthma, you are certainly in the right place, here within our asthma.net community.
    One of the characteristic symptoms that can be associated with asthma or bronchitis or both, is the production of mucus. Coughing, with expectoration, is the usual patient response to the accumulation of mucus. As you've said, you have experienced that aspect of the disease(s).
    When you shared that you have a 'problem' with eating, are you able to clarify that for us here? What types of eating problem(s) are you dealing with?
    Once we hear back from you, we may be able to provide you with some assistance.
    What do you think?
    Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)

    1. Many years ago I suddenly was having breathing issues after eating. After visiting an Allergest and Gastro doctor it was discovered I had a hiatal hernia with an endoscopy and allergic asthma. My Gastro doctor said that 50% of my breathing issues was GERD from the hernia. Acid backing up into lungs. Put on Prilosec. Allergest put me on Symbicort and Accolate. For the most part I feel much better but still have to monitor the AMOUNT of food I eat and nothing 3 hours before bed.

      1. Hello   - We appreciate you sharing your experience. For me, your comment centers on the significance of seeking assistance when new symptoms arise. Any changes or worsening in symptoms should be promptly addressed with healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate management and treatment adjustments. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling much better, and it's encouraging to know that lifestyle modifications have played a significant role in minimizing bothersome symptoms. It's often the small changes we make in our daily routines that can have a big impact on our overall well-being. Wishing you well. Rebecca (community moderator)

        1. @saxophonemom66 I have a large paraesophageal hernia that I am told by some makes my stomach almost totally in my chest/diaphragm and as a result, it seems, my asthma has worsened. I have breast cancer now and I am not sure I would be able to undergo repair of the esophageal hernia. Doctors say I will be and doctors say I won't be. It's a toss of the coin, so I elect to try to abide by the small bites and not eating at least 3 hours before bedtime. I also have "itch" before an attack. Not just the chin and neck but all over my chest, arms and abdomen as well. So I understand your problem about eating. Covid required I be admitted and it has taken me months to get beyond that but I am, with the help of a very fine doctor, moving beyond it.

          1.  I am not sure other doctors hear me when I mention all the issues. They say they do but the next time I bring it up, it is as if they never heard. I guess they hear so many people complaints.

          2. Finding a doctor that fits can be challenging at times. Do you feel particularly connected to your doctors? I'm linking an article from our website that discusses choosing a doctor. https://asthma.net/living/choosing-doctor I found this article particularly interested because it goes into the importance of good communication. What do you think? -Lauren (Team member)

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