Vasculitus

[Justjudes3824]

I have Vasculitus Atrial Fibrillation and Bronchiectasis and recently find that when ever I have something cold to eat or drink such as ice cream yoghurt or even cereals with cold milk I have a coughing fit. Can anyone tell me why? Thanks

[AllyGY2013]

Hello Fran,

I dont know a great deal about either condition but my understanding is that either can cause breathlessness and coughing.

Although not common, consuming cold foods and drinks can cause a flutter of atrial fibrillation which can exacerbate the symptoms.

Beta blockers can sometimes help, but that would need discussing with your health advisor.

Also dairy products can cause the body to produce more mucous which may make you cough more.

Sorry I can't be more help than that, hopefully someone else will know more.

Ally

[Justjudes3824 in reply to AllyGY2013]

Thanks Ally for your help I will keep what you have said in mind

[AndrewT]

Dear Fran,

I can't add much to what Ally has already said except that very cold 'things', especially milk & cold water, can cause me pain. It is generally short lived but unpleasant!

If this is causing you regular coughing 'fits' then I DO recommend that you discuss this with your Doctors/Consultants. Sorry I can't be of more help Fran, hope that you get better soon.

Very best wishes Andrew T

[Justjudes3824]

Thanks Andrew I am seeing my Doctor in two weeks time so will discuss it with her then Thanks for replying to my query and keep well Andrew You may get a repeat of the as my wi fi has been playing up sorry

[dianamarie]

Hi,...thought I would chime in my two cents on your situation....are you sure that you aren't actually coughing because your aspirating? The cold items perhaps are having a numbing affect on your sensitive vocal cords? I have a paralyzed right true vocal cord after having surgery, and I too have a terrible time with cold items, especially for me drinking cold items. I start coughing and choking, and sometimes worry about being alone when this happens! Next time when you are eating or drinking, before swallowing, try sitting up very straight, and tuck in your chin to your chest before swallowing...if that seems to lessen the problem, you may have an undiagnosed swallowing disorder, or a weak true vocal cord....

I'm guessing the doctors will want to do a swallow study so they can see exactly what is happening. This is a common condition with Parkinson's as well as muscles become weak....my father had Parkinson's, and it was interesting when I would visit my parents and we were both at the table to eat, lol

But at any rate the sitting up straight and tucking the chin is what both of our doctors recommended...and also taking smaller bites and gulps...

You could have something as simple as an inflammatory process going on, causing the weakness/sensitivity to cold...hopefully its something simple, easily remedied!

[Justjudes3824 in reply to dianamarie]

Thanks dianamarie for all the info I will let you know how I get my on with my doctor when I see her next month and will try sitting up like you suggest Thanks for replying