Coughing when eating

[Salks]

My husband has just had LVRS which has helped his breathing quite a bit (he has emphysema). Since the surgery every time he eats he coughs and coughs. Has anyone else experienced this.

[Caspiana]

Hello Salks ,

I think there could be a variety of reasons, it could be due to the surgery if he's just had it, and really this question must be asked urgently of his doctor. Acid reflux could be the issue or dysphagia which is more worrying. No one here can tell you what the problem is so please take him to his doctor as soon as possible.

Best wishes to you both,

Cas xx 🌼

[Salks in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you for your reply. He does have reflux for which he takes omeprzole but he does not have any trouble swallowing. I think we will go to GP next.

Sal x

[HungryHufflepuff]

Do you have any follow up from the hospital or your doctor? You could talk with them about it because maybe other people have experienced this. My only thought would be if your husband finds it difficult to breathe while eating and tries to get a breath in, he could be inhaling crumbs that make him cough. Best wishes to you and your husband 😊

[Salks in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

He had follow up with surgeon who seemed unconcerned. He doesn’t seem to have trouble breathing but it is so annoying for him.

Thank you for your reply.

Sal x

[skischool]

Salks,You or your hubby should contact the respiratory dept that performed the LVRS for guidance and support post op,don't bother with your Gp call them directly and they will give you guidance and advise you what to do.

Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's x

P.s If he is in actual distress and unable to eat don't hesitate in attending A & E and they will confer with his medical team.

[Salks in reply to skischool]

Thank you for your reply. We saw surgeon who was unconcerned. I think we need to see GP. I would not hesitate to call A&E if necessary.

Sal x

[Hidden]

Caspiana is right. In the meantime, having his food wetter may help (speaking from experience). Hope the doctor gets things sorted out for him.

[Salks in reply to Hidden]

I will make sure he has water on the table at meal times

Thank you Sal x

[twinkleyt]

My husband's lung cancer had only one symptom and that was while drinking his coffee which went down the wrong way. I began to do this while drinking- breathing in when I swallowed. I do not have lung cancer. But while eating I have only had a meat ball stuck at back of my throat which was frightening but with lots of swallowing motion it eventually went away and went down the right way. I shall make sure I have munched food enough before swallowing or take smaller mouthfulls.

I do take a medication for something else which makes my mouth dry and suspect I have dry throat.

Your husband needs to see GP who may refer him to have a mirror put down his throat just to be certain there is no serious cause.

[Salks in reply to twinkleyt]

I will make apt with GP. Thank you for your concern.

Salx

[Alfiebax2]

Hi I had LVRS in Oct 2018 and had similar problems to your husband . It does get better and I think it was me still struggling to breathe ( although I could breathe better post op. ) It is mentally in your brain but I can assure you it will get better ..........if not check back with hospital where op was performed

Best Wishes Babs xx

[Salks in reply to Alfiebax2]

Thank you for your reply. It’s very reassuring to know that this has happened to others

Sal x

[JasperDylan]

I have had this after Lvrs I found that drinking water with your meal helped and after a period of time it all stopped .no problems with it now

[Salks in reply to JasperDylan]

As I said to Babs this is very reassuring to know it’s happened to others and has subsequently improved. As I said I will ensure there is plenty of water at meal times.

Everyone is so kind to take the trouble to help us x

[Izb1]

This must be very worrying for you Salks, it seems from replies above it could be a normal response but wouldnt hesitate to talk to your gp if you are still worried, hopefully things will settle down and his cough will ease up x

[Salks in reply to Izb1]

Yes I’ve had some encouraging responses, so fingers crossed!

Sal x