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Breathless when eating

WeymouthJohn profile image
14 Replies

Sometimes when I start eating I get really breathless, like a panic attack, and have to stop and do some breathing exercises before carrying on. It's not really life threatening but it is a very strange feeling. Does anyone else have the same experience? Any ideas what causes it?

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WeymouthJohn profile image
WeymouthJohn
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14 Replies

Hi John, I do and I suspect many others. I believe it's simply a matter of breath control.

We can't inhale and swallow at the same time.

Good luck,

Chris

I do John and I have also started to choke often, it feels as though my throat is closing sometimes. :(

libbygood profile image
libbygood

I get SOB when I clean my teeth because it's difficult to breathe properly and clean your teeth at the same time. I have occasionally got SOB when eating.

Lib x

WeymouthJohn profile image
WeymouthJohn in reply tolibbygood

Yep. Cleaning teeth is a prob as well. Nice to know I'm not the only one. I feel less of an idiot.

WestWalesPaul profile image
WestWalesPaul

I haven't had a 'proper' meal for years now. Just eat small amounts and snack all day. Peanuts always to hand, crackers, crusty rolls, cheese, ham, etc on a plate next to me so I can literally eat all day as and when able.

On a good day, I can get through a bacon buttie without gasping!!

Little and often is the key.

Cheers

Paul

elian profile image
elian

We get extra breathless during or after a meal because our brain is sending a signal to supply more oxygen to the stomach to help digestion of our food :) Eating little and often is a very good idea and I find it helps me a lot. To avoid wind (at either end) when drinking liquids try taking little sips instead of big gulps as that cuts down the amount of air we swallow. Also remember to chew your food thoroughly to avoid the risk of that choking feeling.

Keep on keeping on folks ;)

Airhunter profile image
Airhunter

I was going to ask the same question tonight "Does anyone have problems cleaning their teeth I find this such an ordeal and get really breathless, not to bad with food but have to chew really well and keep water at hand did inhale some egg fried rice last week which was really scary I coughed so much and thought I would breath my last. I eat smaller meals and find I have to take my time and microwave them to keep them hot.

WeymouthJohn profile image
WeymouthJohn

Many thanks for the answers and advice. I don't feel such an idiot.

tony49 profile image
tony49

i did at one time but got over it by breathing in throw my nose more when eating cant say about cleaning teath as mine have been in a bag for the last 3 years

fishtail profile image
fishtail in reply totony49

Hee hee hee.x

fishtail profile image
fishtail

had a bad bout of hiccups while eating a meal,scared me half to death,couldnt breathe,tears rolling down my face,felt as if my throat was closing altogether,really scary.I eat very slowly now and make sure I chew every mouthful.also have probs when cleaning my teeth,etc.Boy oh Boy dont we suffer.!!!!!!!!!!!

Chinka profile image
Chinka

Hi Everyone,

Yes I can get breathless brushing my teeth, I find sitting, usually on the Loo seat helps. As for eating food, if I am really bad I use some oxygen, this makes it easier, but I don't eat as much as I used to, I am told this is normal.

Stitch, bless you, I love the image, I thought it was just my dog that snaffled food when attention was turned elsewhere. Thank you for making me smile.

Some really good advice on here and its heart warming to read all the support.

Take care.

Lyza profile image
Lyza

Hi John yes got the same whwn eating...

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