Should You See a Doctor for Chest Discomfort After Eating?

Q: Should You See a Doctor for Chest Discomfort After Eating?

Hello： If food is accidentally aspirated into the trachea, it is likely to cause severe coughing. <br>Since the angle of the left bronchus is wider, it is less likely for food to enter that airway. <br>It is recommended to see a pulmonologist only if there is persistent coughing

Do I need to see a doctor?

Hello Doctor, on the evening of November 30th, while I was eating enoki mushrooms and chatting with my mother, I might have eaten a bit too quickly and possibly inhaled some enoki mushrooms into my airway (though I'm not entirely sure).
After that, I felt a slight discomfort and pain around my left chest area (approximately where the left main bronchus is located).
However, after a while, I forcefully coughed a few times and the discomfort seemed to go away.
On December 1st and 2nd, I felt fine and did not have persistent coughing.
Should I just monitor the situation, or should I see a pulmonologist? My mother has a chronic cough, and I plan to take her to the hospital for a check-up with a pulmonologist.
I'm now wondering if I should also get checked at the same time.
I would appreciate your advice, thank you!

Ken, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/03

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello: If food is accidentally aspirated into the trachea, it is likely to cause severe coughing.
Since the angle of the left bronchus is wider, it is less likely for food to enter that airway.
It is recommended to see a pulmonologist only if there is persistent coughing or fever lasting several days.

Reply Date: 2018/12/03

More Info

Experiencing chest discomfort after eating can be concerning, especially if it follows an incident where food may have been aspirated into the airway. In your case, it sounds like you had a brief episode of discomfort after eating enoki mushrooms, which you suspect may have gone down the wrong way. Fortunately, it seems that the discomfort resolved after a few forceful coughs, which is a positive sign. However, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to seek medical attention.

Firstly, it’s important to understand the nature of the discomfort you experienced. If the pain was mild and transient, and you have not experienced any further symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it may be reasonable to monitor your condition. However, if the discomfort returns or worsens, or if you develop new symptoms, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional.

In general, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly:
1. Persistent Pain: If the chest discomfort does not resolve or keeps recurring, it could indicate a more serious issue that needs evaluation.

2. Breathing Difficulties: Any signs of shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing should be taken seriously, as they could indicate aspiration or other respiratory issues.

3. Coughing Up Blood: If you notice blood in your sputum or if you have a persistent cough that produces mucus, you should see a doctor immediately.

4. Other Symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or significant fatigue, these could indicate an infection or other underlying condition.

Given that your mother has a history of chronic cough, it may be beneficial for both of you to visit a pulmonologist. This could provide an opportunity for you to discuss your recent symptoms and any concerns about aspiration, while also addressing your mother's ongoing issues. A thorough evaluation may include imaging studies, pulmonary function tests, or even a bronchoscopy if deemed necessary by the physician.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations to help manage any mild discomfort you may experience after eating:
- Eat Slowly: Take your time while eating to reduce the risk of aspiration. Chewing food thoroughly can help prevent choking.

- Stay Upright: After eating, remain in an upright position for at least 30 minutes to facilitate digestion and reduce the risk of reflux.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoking and other irritants that could exacerbate respiratory issues.

- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid excessive amounts immediately before or after meals to prevent discomfort.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you notice anything concerning.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may have resolved, it’s essential to remain vigilant. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and a professional evaluation can provide reassurance and appropriate management if needed.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chest Pain After Meals: When to Seek Medical Advice

Doctor, I have a question. Over the past few days, I've experienced some sharp pain in my chest after walking quickly following meals. It feels better when I slow down. I also often feel this sharp pain while lifting things at work. For instance, today, when I bent down to w...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the symptoms do not resemble typical angina but are more akin to muscular or neurological discomfort, which is not concerning. Observation is sufficient; however, if discomfort persists, it is advisable to rule out atypical angina. It is recommended to visit a cardiology c...

Understanding Chest Discomfort and Head Pain After Eating: What to Do?

I often experience headaches without any clear reason, and a CT scan shows no issues. It feels like needles are piercing through my head. When I'm hungry, I feel discomfort in my chest after eating even a little, as if something is blocking it. Could you please tell me what ...

Dr. Chen Junwei reply Internal Medicine
Based on your symptom description, it may be related to esophageal disorders such as esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal spasms, or even some benign or malignant lesions. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterology clinic for an examination and to un...

Chest Pain After Cold Medicine: When to See a Doctor?

Hello, I visited the doctor for the first time and after taking the medication, my cold didn't improve, so I went to a second doctor. After taking the first packet of medication, I started feeling a tightness and pain in my chest, which also hurts when I eat. Two days later,...

Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
If medication is taken without sufficient water or with too little water, the drug may remain in the esophagus, potentially causing localized ulcers and discomfort. If pain occurs while eating, it is important to consider issues related to the throat or esophagus, and a visit to ...

Managing Hiccups and Chest Pain After Meals: Tips for Relief

Doctor, I have been experiencing this for about three months. After eating, I tend to burp, and before burping, I feel pain in my chest. After burping, the pain eases somewhat, and I burp for a while after meals. I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). How can...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A light diet is recommended; avoid overeating or eating too quickly. Try to steer clear of irritating foods, including tea, coffee, fried foods, and spicy dishes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.