Why Does My Throat Itch and Cause Coughing While Eating?

Q: Why Does My Throat Itch and Cause Coughing While Eating?

Dear Cindy： You have issues with post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux, which can lead to a persistent cough that is difficult to treat. <br>As for the choking cough, the esophagus and trachea are very close together, and when swallowing food, the trachea can be affected by

Experiencing throat irritation and coughing while eating?

Hello Doctor: For the past few months, I have been experiencing sudden and intense itching in my throat, accompanied by severe coughing.
It feels like there is an increase in mucus in my throat, which leads me to constantly clear my throat.
(I have issues with post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux.) I would like to ask the doctor, on several occasions when I eat, I suddenly feel an intense itch that makes me want to cough violently.
I tend to drink water to swallow the food in my mouth before coughing, and each time I cough, I end up gagging.
I'm concerned whether this could cause food to enter my bronchi.

Cindy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/29

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology

Dear Cindy: You have issues with post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux, which can lead to a persistent cough that is difficult to treat.
As for the choking cough, the esophagus and trachea are very close together, and when swallowing food, the trachea can be affected by temperature changes or irritants, leading to irritation of the mucosal layer and resulting in severe coughing.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid irritating foods and to refrain from eating too quickly.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2018/01/29

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of throat irritation and coughing, particularly when eating, which can be quite distressing. Based on your description, there are several factors that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Firstly, the sensation of an itchy throat and the urge to cough while eating can be linked to several underlying conditions. Given your history of post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these conditions can exacerbate throat irritation. Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat, often leading to a tickling sensation that triggers coughing. GERD can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, which may irritate the throat and lead to similar symptoms.

When you eat, especially if you are consuming food quickly or if the food is spicy or acidic, it can further irritate your throat. This irritation can lead to a reflexive cough, which is your body's way of trying to clear the throat or airway. If you find yourself drinking water to help swallow food when your throat feels itchy, it’s important to be cautious. Rapidly swallowing food or liquid can increase the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus, potentially leading to choking or aspiration pneumonia.

To minimize the risk of food entering the bronchial tubes, consider the following strategies:
1. Eat Slowly: Take your time while eating. Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing to reduce the risk of choking and to allow your throat to adjust.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout your meal, but do so in moderation. Sipping water can help ease throat irritation without overwhelming your swallowing reflex.

3. Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of spicy, acidic, or very hot foods that can exacerbate throat irritation. Additionally, avoid allergens or irritants that may trigger your symptoms.

4. Manage GERD: If you have GERD, managing it through dietary changes, medications, or lifestyle adjustments can help reduce throat irritation. This might include avoiding large meals, not lying down immediately after eating, and elevating the head of your bed.

5. Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can evaluate your throat and esophagus for any underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

6. Consider Allergy Testing: If you suspect that allergies may be a contributing factor, discussing allergy testing with your healthcare provider could be helpful. Allergies can lead to throat irritation and post-nasal drip, which may exacerbate your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to your existing conditions of post-nasal drip and GERD, it’s essential to approach eating with caution to avoid complications. If you continue to experience significant discomfort or if your symptoms change, seeking medical advice is crucial to ensure proper management and to rule out any serious conditions.

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