How to treat a strong cough after eating. Cough after eating: causes and treatments. Why perish hookah

Cough for many people is associated with various colds. However, unfortunately, this unpleasant phenomenon can be a symptom of several dozen types of ailments and pathological conditions of the body.

Not too common, but still observed in adults and children, cough after eating. Its danger lies in the neglect of the patient due to the absence of such habitual accompanying symptoms as:

• Temperature.
• Runny nose.
• Headache or chest pain, etc.

The consequence of this is a delay in visiting a doctor and the development of an ailment that causes an unpleasant symptom into a more severe form.

The frivolous attitude to the problem is explained by the fact that at first the patient does not notice that it is after eating that a cough appears, and does not associate the occurrence of sharp spastic exhalations with some processes occurring in the body. He waits for the unpleasant symptom to go away on its own.

It often takes several weeks, or even months, from the moment the reflex spasms of the airways begin until the time the person comes to the hospital and says to the doctor: "I cough after eating."

Of course, in order to determine the cause of the appearance of an unpleasant symptom (or several) and prescribe treatment, the doctor must conduct an examination, prescribe the necessary examinations and tests. However, there are the most common options for the occurrence of reflex spasms of the airways that occur as a result of eating.

Cough after eating: cause

Doctors agree that the main factors causing sharp spastic exhalations are:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Bronchial asthma.
• Ingestion of foreign particles into the throat or respiratory organs.
• Throat irritating food.
• Allergy.
• Infection.

Why does cough occur after eating?

Why do reflex spasms of the airways begin precisely as a result of eating? Let's try to understand this issue.

Cough after eating: prevention

If a person suffers from the occurrence of reflex spasms of the airways after eating, but this happens quite rarely, then he does not need special treatment. In this case, to exclude the occurrence of cough after eating, it is enough to follow preventive measures:

• chew food thoroughly;
• avoid foods that are possible allergens;
• periodically do steam inhalations;
• drink more fluids;
• eat in small portions;
• Do not smoke;
• limit the use of fatty foods, as well as alcoholic, tonic drinks;
• maintain normal body weight.

Cough after eating: treatment

If preventive measures are not enough and reflex spasms after eating do not give rest, you should definitely consult a doctor. The specialist will help to find out why there is a cough after eating, prescribe a set of measures necessary to get rid of the unpleasant symptom and the factor that causes it.

Allergy is the use of antihistamines. Reflux involves the symptomatic treatment of a cough that comes from eating with antacid medications.

The most important thing is not to self-medicate and not be overly careless. If coughing after eating occurs regularly, you should immediately seek professional medical help.

Cough after eating - the reason

Cough is a symptom of many diseases, not just colds, as many people think. Sometimes people complain that they regularly start coughing after eating. Only a doctor can establish the exact cause of a cough after eating based on anamnesis, the results of a medical examination, tests, and, based on the diagnosis, prescribe appropriate therapy. From the article you can find out why a cough may appear after eating, and what accompanying symptoms confirm this or that disease.

Why does cough occur after eating?

Reflux disease

The most common cause of dry cough after eating is GERD. This abbreviation stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. In a person with GERD, the tone of the muscles of the lower esophageal ring is reduced, due to which the food eaten from the stomach again enters the esophagus, and with it the air that has entered the digestive tract along with the food is displaced. In this regard, if, in addition to coughing after eating, heartburn and belching are observed, then it can be assumed that a person has gastroesophageal reflux disease. Confirms the presence of GERD that the cough occurs immediately after eating (within 10 minutes). It is this short period of time that is needed for the opening of the esophageal sphincter.

Bronchial asthma

With the release of gastric juice against the background of GERD, bronchial asthma may develop. This form of asthma does not respond to conventional asthma medications. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that sputum accumulates in the patient's bronchi in large quantities and stagnates.

Allergy

Cough after eating with sputum is often observed with allergies to certain foods. Most often, an increased reaction of the body occurs to spices, chocolate, nuts, and some types of cheese.

Foreign body in the airways

While chewing and swallowing food, its particles sometimes get "in the wrong throat." Especially often it affects the little ones. children and the elderly. When food grains enter the respiratory tract, a reflex cough occurs, which is a source of discomfort.

Dehydration

Coughing after eating in older people can also signal dehydration. It is the lack of fluid for digesting food that provokes a coughing fit. In order to prevent this manifestation, gastroenterologists recommend that elderly people drink at least 300 ml of pure non-carbonated water immediately after a meal.

Cough is a muscular reflex contraction of the chest in response to an irritant. In the process of coughing, the respiratory mucosa is cleansed of microorganisms, dust and mucus. When a person suffers from a dry cough for a long time, this can become a symptom of a serious illness. Such a cough is called unproductive, i.e. when coughing, there is no separation of sputum.

Causes of dry cough in adults

The reasons for this condition may be:

• inflammation in the bronchi and trachea;
• pneumonia;
• bronchial asthma;
• inflammation of the larynx;
• tumors of the respiratory system;
• whooping cough;
• pleurisy

If you listen to the cough, you can hear its different shades and varieties. There are several types:

If it is not too intrusive, with short coughs, then it is called pharyngeal. At the same time, the mucous membrane of the pharynx dries up or mucus accumulates at the entrance to the larynx.

Whooping cough is characterized by multiple coughing shocks, which are accompanied by a deep breath with a whistling sound.

A barking cough appears with laryngitis and tracheitis. It occurs during the inflammatory process of the vocal cords. If a barking dry cough is joined by labored bubbling breathing, then these are manifestations of croup.

When you hear low tones with a gradual increase, then this may be a symptom of tuberculosis.

During a cold, a whooping cough of an obsessive nature may appear.

Spasmodic cough speaks of bronchial asthma. He is unproductive and obsessive. He appears closer to the morning. This condition may indicate obstructive bronchitis, but without a series of attacks.

The metallic shade of a dry cough that appears during a conversation, while eating, may indicate a mental disorder, but this is diagnosed only after a serious examination.

Severe cough in an adult (dry)

Various factors can provoke a strong dry cough in an adult. These include:

• Smoking, when tobacco tar irritates the bronchi.
• Dust that causes irritation in the respiratory tract.
• A foreign body, when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, has an irritating effect.
• Stressful situations and emotional experiences.
• Allergic reactions.
• Adverse drug reaction.
• Oncological diseases.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Heart failure.
• Problems in the stomach and intestines, when a fistula of the esophago-tracheal region is formed and a reflex dry cough appears after eating.

Long dry cough in an adult

Often, a dry cough occurs during a cold, if a weakened immune system does not cope with its protective functions, and the disease passes into the bronchi. As a result, acute bronchitis appears, which, if not properly treated, passes into the chronic stage. With prolonged coughing in an adult, deformation of the bronchial walls can occur, which leads to asthma, lung abscess and pneumonia.

A long dry throat cough and severe perspiration in the throat occurs with chronic pharyngitis. This is a serious disease that needs to be treated in a hospital setting.

A very long spasmodic cough, accompanied by pain in the side, shortness of breath and fever, can be observed with pleurisy.

Paroxysmal cough in an adult

The spasmodic nature of the cough often refers to the manifestation of bronchial asthma. It usually manifests itself at night and in the evening and appears against the background of an allergen. An attack can cause choking, pain in the abdomen and chest. It can last up to one hour.

Paroxysmal cough is characterized by inflammation of the pharynx, larynx and nasopharynx. If timely measures are not taken to eliminate them, then the painful condition turns into bronchitis, pneumonia and tracheitis.

Dry barking cough in an adult

Dry barking cough in adults is characteristic of parainfluenza. This is an acute viral disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is a symptom of an acute form of laryngitis and pharyngitis and manifests itself at night. In bronchial asthma, it is accompanied by attacks of suffocation. Lack of proper treatment can lead to death. With croupous pneumonia, the cough is accompanied by painful sensations in the chest. Whooping cough in an adult causes not only a barking cough, but also bouts of vomiting.

Dry choking cough in an adult

The occurrence of a choking cough can be caused by many factors. Often this happens when a foreign body enters the respiratory tract, and the allergen irritates the mucous membrane. More often, the symptom indicates a serious illness, which include:

• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• tuberculosis;
• whooping cough;
• oncological diseases;
• heart failure;
• pharyngitotracheitis;
• laryngitotracheitis

Such a cough is often observed in smokers with experience. Left untreated, chronic bronchitis can lead to secondary tuberculosis.

Dry cough in an adult at night

Coughing attacks at night often occur due to bronchial asthma. It is accompanied by wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

The cause may also be heart failure, in which shortness of breath appears and the heart rate increases.

Acid reflux irritates the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract with the contents of the esophagus and stomach, causing a nocturnal cough.

A good alternative in the treatment of dry cough in adults are medicinal herbs and fees. In the pharmacy you can buy a variety of nursing fees. Phyto teas also effectively help in the treatment. They are easy to use and taste good. The most effective herbs are: plantain, flax seeds, lime blossom, oregano and thyme. To relieve spasms of the bronchi at night, chamomile flowers, valerian, and calamus have a calming effect.

Well help and inhalation, which can be carried out at home. Pour sage, chamomile, thyme and coltsfoot in equal parts with two liters of boiling water. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil and baking soda. Cover yourself with a towel and breathe in healing vapors for ten minutes.

Boil a tablespoon of viburnum in half a liter of water. Then add honey and drink four times a day.

Boil a finely chopped onion and three cloves of garlic in a liter of milk. Then add honey and drink half a glass every hour until the dry cough disappears.

Pour a tablespoon of oatmeal with plenty of water and boil for thirty minutes. Drink with honey four times a day.

In half a glass of lemon juice, add two tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of glycerin. Take one teaspoon six times a day.

Hold a tablespoon of sugar over the fire until it turns brown. Dissolve, and then drink birch sap.

To get rid of a cough, it is better to use several methods of treatment.

Dry cough in adult medicine

Two types of drugs are used to treat dry cough:

Drugs that suppress the patient's cough reflex. These include: codeine, oxeladine and ethylmorphine.

Drugs that act on cough receptors. Effectively help: linkas, codelac broncho and terpincod.

What to do when burping with air, causes of discomfort

Belching is the reflux of the contents of the esophagus or stomach into the oral cavity. Usually it is preceded by a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the epigastrium, which is due to increased pressure in the stomach. Ejection of excess stomach contents into the esophagus or pharynx and oral cavity relieves this condition.

It can be burped with food, acidic stomach contents or air. The features of the latter option and its reasons will be considered in this article.

Belching of air in healthy

Normally, the stomach on an empty stomach contains air in the form of a gas bubble, the volume of which directly depends on the size of the stomach. The average portion of air in the stomach of an adult is 0.5-1 liter. Air enters the stomach when:

• swallowed during meals (especially hasty)
• deep breathing through the mouth
• frequent swallowing, hasty speech
• smoking
• consumption of carbonated drinks
• chewing gum

In an absolutely healthy person, a strong belching of air can occur if he is full to the point of amazement and simply clogs his stomach with food so that the sphincter of the inlet of the stomach cannot close completely, and gas under pressure will be pushed back into the esophagus and throat. The same thing can happen if, after a heavy meal, a person begins to bend over, jump, or run, squeezing the stomach or displacing it. With tight belts and belts, especially in obese people, it is also possible to achieve an increase in intragastric pressure, against which there is an eructation of odorless air.

Obese people are more prone to belching that is not related to disease. She often suffers from those who abuse strong coffee or tea, garlic, onions, and fatty ones.

In patients without gastrointestinal problems, but forced to use inhalers for other diseases, excess air also enters the stomach.

In pregnant women, the growing uterus gradually displaces the internal organs and props up the diaphragm, which can also provoke this unpleasant symptom.

Constant belching of air with pathologies of the stomach

The main condition leading to regurgitation of air is the failure of the cardia of the stomach (insufficiency of the cardia), which does not fully close. This deviation is diagnosed by x-ray examination of the stomach or by endoscopy (EGD).

Insufficiency of the cardia is divided into degrees.

• In the first degree, the muscle of the inlet of the stomach is not completely compressed, leaving up to a third of the lumen with deep breathing, which provokes belching.
• The second gives a gaping of the lumen of the cardiac section by half the diameter and also frequent belching of air.
• With the third, not only complete non-closure of the cardia with a deep breath is necessary, but also the phenomenon of reflux esophagitis due to the constant reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

The failure of the cardiac sphincter explains frequent belching, the causes of which are as follows:

• An overcrowded stomach in people prone to overeating, as well as in people with slow motor skills and digestive disorders (atrophic gastritis, hypomotor dyskinesia of the gastrointestinal tract), including obese people and pregnant women on the background of hormonal changes.
• Weak lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia.
• Increased intragastric pressure against the background of inflammation (peptic ulcer) or tumors, as well as pylorospasm or pyloric stenosis.
• Surgical interventions on the cardial part of the stomach with the removal or damage of the sphincter.
• Injuries and burns of the esophagus and stomach.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

The most common cause of belching is gastroesophageal reflux disease. At the same time, the circular muscle-pulp, which locks the inlet of the stomach, does not completely close, causing the reflux of what is in the stomach or air into the esophagus and pharynx. Belching is provoked by forward bends, a long horizontal position.

• in addition to belching with air and sour (heartburn), GERD causes pain behind the sternum or in the left side of the chest
• nausea, episodes of vomiting
• rapid satiety and bloating
• extragastric manifestations are also characteristic: cough, shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbances in the form of tachycardia or arrhythmia (Houdin's syndrome), atrophic or hypertrophic pharyngitis, manifested by dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa, sensations of scratching in the throat and difficulty swallowing.

Gradually, the mucosa of the esophagus is eroded or even covered with ulcers. With prolonged untreated esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus or intestinal-type metaplasia of the esophageal mucosa may develop, which increases the risk of cancer of this organ.

The second gastric cause of belching air is gastritis.

Gastritis can be infectious, toxic, alimentary, autoimmune, radiation. In the clinic of acute or chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, nausea and belching with air may be present. At the same time, it is combined with both acute or dull aching pains, heaviness in the epigastrium, and with vomiting.

• With lesions of the body of the stomach by atrophic processes

belching with air can also be accompanied by a rotten eructation. Characterized by a decrease in appetite, rapid satiety. Less commonly, a clinic similar to dumping syndrome (weakness after eating, nausea and belching, sudden urge to defecate, loose stools) manifests itself. Also, belching in combination with weakness, reduced efficiency, pallor of the skin, brittle nails, dry skin and hair may indicate iron deficiency or B12 deficiency anemia against the background of a violation of the absorption of iron or vitamin B12 due to atrophic processes in the gastric mucosa against the background of chronic gastritis .

• With antral forms of gastritis

most often occurring against the background of Helicobacter pylori infection, belching with air can alternate with heartburn and fasting or early sucking pains in the epigastrium.

Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer gives gross lesions of the gastric mucosa with the presence of diffuse hyperemia, swelling and damage up to the muscle layer, and also creates conditions for belching, both air and sour. As with antral gastritis, with peptic ulcer will be observed:

• acute or blunt early (30 minutes after eating)
• fasting or even nocturnal pain in the projection of the stomach
• nausea and vomiting of eaten food or bile, bringing relief
• constipation
• loss of appetite

Changes in the pyloric (output) section of the stomach

Reversible pyloric stenosis (spasm of the obturator muscle of the gastric outlet) and its irreversible narrowing (pyloric stenosis) lead to such an increase in intragastric pressure and stagnation of its contents that belching develops after eating (air, rotten or sour).

• If children have pyloric stenosis - a congenital thickening of the muscle
• That in adults is the result of cicatricial changes after frequent ulcers of the output section of the stomach and narrowing of the lumen of the pyloric section.
• Also, chemical burns of the stomach with acids or alkalis and tumors of the gastric outlet can also lead to this condition.

As this condition progresses and pyloric stenosis decompensates, belching with air, sour or food is accompanied by vomiting (in the later stages, a fountain immediately after eating), weight loss, signs of water and electrolyte disorders (dry skin and mucous membranes, shortness of breath and heart rhythm disturbances).

Stomach cancer

In the early stages, the clinic of gastric cancer is oligosymptomatic and resembles the clinic of chronic atrophic gastritis. Attention is drawn to a sharp decrease in appetite, aversion to meat food, rapid satiety, weight loss, anemization of patients. At the same time, patients complain of a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the epigastrium, frequent belching of air or food. Due to cancer metastasis, supraclavicular lymph nodes may increase.

Pathologies of the esophagus

Diseases of the esophagus, no less than gastric problems, cause belching of air.

Achalasia cardia

It causes belching of air in a third of all diseases of the esophagus. This is a chronic pathology, expressed in insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This leads to narrowing of the lower esophagus and expansion of its sections above the narrowed segment. The consequence of such violations is a disorder of the contractile activity of the esophagus, uneven peristalsis, which makes it difficult to swallow and causes back reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

• therefore, for achalasia cardia, a sensation of a lump in the throat is very characteristic
• difficulty swallowing (feeling of food stuck after a few seconds of swallowing)
• hoarseness of voice, food entering the nasopharynx can also be observed
• in the oral cavity in a horizontal position, leaning forward, air or gastric contents can be thrown
• in half of the patients, swallowing is accompanied by pain behind the sternum
• with severe achalasia, eating disorders, weight loss, belching with air and rotten or heartburn are observed.
• in the future, a pronounced inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and its cicatricial changes develop, leading to permanent problems with nutrition.

Zenker diverticulum

This is a saccular expansion of the junction of the pharynx into the esophagus. With incomplete relaxation of the muscles and a constant increase in pressure inside the hollow organ. Conditions are created for protrusion of the wall of the esophagus between the muscle fibers.

• At the beginning of the development of the disease, the symptoms are indistinguishable from banal pharyngitis: perspiration and scratching in the throat, a feeling of awkwardness when swallowing, coughing, and sometimes increased salivation.
• As the process develops and the diverticulum increases, conditions are created for the constant reflux of what is in the stomach into the esophagus and pharynx.
• There is an eructation (air, sour or food), there may be episodes of vomiting.
• When food is thrown into the respiratory tract, aspiration pneumonia can develop.
• With prolonged existence of a diverticulum, its walls can become inflamed (diverticulitis), covered with erosions or ulcers.

With an unfavorable outcome, perforation of the wall of the diverticulum may develop with the reflux of its contents into the airways or mediastinum with the development of its inflammation (mediastenitis).

Scleroderma of the esophagus

This is a particular manifestation of a systemic connective tissue disease, in which its excessive development and damage to arterioles is observed. Atrophic processes in the mucosa of the esophagus and its ulceration are also characteristic. The basis of the disease is hereditary predisposition and chronic alimentary damage (cooling, trauma, foci of infection).

Dishormonal disorders are also of some importance (the disease often develops against the background of menopause in women). Swallowing disorders, belching and heartburn develop simultaneously with peripheral blood flow disorders (chillness and blueness of the hands, ears, nose upon contact with cold air or water) in combination with pain in the small joints of the hands and feet, their swelling.

Diaphragm pathologies

A hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm can cause persistent and frequent belching, including air.

• The risks of this pathology increase with age, as the muscle fibers and ligamentous apparatus of the diaphragm weaken, intra-abdominal pressure increases against the background of overeating, obesity or excessive physical exertion.
• This pathology is also typical for patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma).
• However, there are also congenital hernias, as a result of an embryonic defect of the esophagus (its shortening).

With different types of hernias, through an abnormally wide esophageal opening in the diaphragm, different parts of the stomach and the abdominal part of the esophagus can penetrate into the chest cavity and both temporarily and permanently be in the chest cavity. This leads to pain behind the sternum, which can radiate to the back in the interscapular region. Rhythm disturbances of the type of extrasystole are also characteristic (in a third of patients). Very typical belching of air, throwing food into the mouth (especially in the supine position). There may be heartburn or bitterness in the mouth. Regurgitation or vomiting occurs without prior nausea, provoked by a hasty meal, a change in body position.

Other gastrointestinal diseases

Duodeno-gastric reflux

or the reflux of the contents of the duodenum into the cavity of the stomach is the result of inflammation of the duodenum (duodenitis), insufficiency of the pylorus and increased pressure in the 12 duodenum. The gastric mucosa is irritated by bile salts, pancreatic enzymes. If such a condition exists for a long time and is sufficiently pronounced, clinical manifestations appear in the form of abdominal pain without a clear limitation, yellow plaque on the tongue, belching (including air) and heartburn.

Insufficiency of the Bauginian damper, which separates the small and large intestines

This natural valve may cease to fully fulfill its obturator function due to its congenital anomalies or as a result of a prolonged inflammatory process in the intestine. In this case, there are pains in the abdomen, rumbling, bloating. Patients are concerned about bitterness in the mouth, nausea, belching, heartburn. Weight loss and increased fatigue may occur.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis

Intestinal dysbacteriosis or the syndrome of increased microbial contamination of the small intestine is often associated with a previous pathology, as well as with antibiotic treatment, reduced immunity. At the same time, opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms flourish in the small intestine, leading to enteritis with frequent loose stools, diffuse pain or heaviness in the abdomen, flatulence, i.e. disorders of digestion and absorption. The condition can also be accompanied by belching or heartburn, nausea, and appetite disorders.

Chronic pancreatitis

Another pathology leading to belching with air is pancreatitis. At the same time, the production of pankeratic enzymes decreases, normal digestion of food becomes difficult and gas formation increases, resulting in belching of air or food eaten. Also typical are pains in the upper abdomen that occur after eating, radiating to the back, flatulence, nausea, and episodes of vomiting during exacerbations of pancreatitis. Episodes of unstable stool (alternating constipation and diarrhea) are very typical. With the addition of secondary diabetes due to a decrease in insulin production (especially against the background of sclerotic or necrotic processes in the gland), thirst, dry mouth and skin itching may appear.

Diseases of the biliary tract

This is cholelithiasis, chronic cholecystitis, hypomotor dyskinesia, postcholecystectomy syndrome - against the background of a violation of the passage of bile and a decrease in the entry of bile acids into the lumen of the duodenum, they can give dull constant or provoked by fatty, fried foods or physical exertion pain in the projection of the right costal arch. Also, this group of diseases can lead to nausea, bitterness in the mouth, belching with air or bitter. There is bloating, constipation.

Causes of belching air on an empty stomach

An interesting reason for the reflux of air from the stomach and esophagus into the mouth is a number of neurotic conditions in which cardiospasm (involuntary contraction of the muscles of the lower esophagus or the inlet of the stomach) is observed in the program of gastrointestinal disorders. This is the so-called "empty eructation" of air, not associated with food intake (against the background of swallowing air or aerophagy with deep nervous breathing through the mouth or deep breaths).

Patients are concerned about swallowing disorders with difficulty passing food in the lower esophagus. In this case, unlike tumors of the esophagus, solid food passes better, and liquids get stuck. There may be pain or a sensation of a lump behind the sternum. There are also pain or distension in the stomach, vomiting, nausea, and appetite disorders. Sometimes there is a transformation of these signs into a detailed clinic of irritable bowel syndrome.

How to behave when burping

Since such a condition is a manifestation of a large number of diseases and pathological conditions, if it is present, it is reasonable to seek a diagnosis from a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. After establishing the true cause of the problem, treatment should first of all be directed to the underlying disease. Treatment of belching sometimes takes quite a long time.

At the household level, for temporary relief of an unpleasant phenomenon, it is worth recommending:

• eat small meals without large intervals between meals (4-5 meals per day are optimal)
• give up smoking, soda, excess chewing gum, eating in a hurry.
• immediately after eating, you should not go to bed, as well as engage in physical work or sports.
• it makes sense to reduce excess weight for those who have it.

Thus, the timely appeal for qualified medical care for burping with air gives a chance to get rid of it as quickly and reliably as possible.

Cough during pregnancy

It is very difficult to resist viral infections, especially when the “cold season” begins. Pregnant women, due to weakened immunity, have a doubly harder time. Coughing during pregnancy is one of the signs of a cold. The cough may be dry or wet. But the main problem of cough in pregnant women is that it is very difficult to treat it, since drug treatment is contraindicated during this period due to possible harm to the fetus.

But it is necessary to treat a cough during pregnancy, first of all, because with a weakened immune system, an ordinary cough can develop into bronchitis, viral tracheitis, pneumonia, etc., and in this case, medicines can no longer be dispensed with.

Any disease, even the smallest, has a significant burden on the immune system. Antibodies are produced in the blood to help the body fight viruses. As a rule, only maternal antibodies can cross the placenta, but if there is placental insufficiency, the infection can reach the baby, which can cause abnormalities at birth. That is why cough treatment must be started immediately in order to minimize the risk of possible complications.

Particular care should be taken by women who have had a threat of miscarriage. When coughing, pressure on the abdominal cavity increases, which can cause uterine tone. Uterine hypertonicity can provoke not only a miscarriage, but intrauterine fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) due to uterine vascular spasms.

Cough is a kind of protective reaction of the body, it occurs when the receptors are irritated, which leads to the removal of sputum from the respiratory tract. The composition of sputum contains pathological bacteria, which, if they stay in the bronchi for a long time, lead to inflammation of the lungs. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out the type of cough (wet, dry) and the reason for its occurrence. With a dry cough (unproductive), sputum is not secreted or is secreted in small quantities. In order for the cough to take the form of a productive (wet) mucus must be formed. For this, special antitussive drugs are usually used. But pregnant women are contraindicated in taking any medications. But dry coughing during pregnancy can be so inconvenient (constant itching, loss of voice, bouts of nocturnal coughing) that the benefits of using an antitussive drug outweigh the possible risks to mother and baby.

There are no completely harmless drugs, all drugs can cause an allergic reaction or some other side effect, especially in pregnant women. In this regard, it is not recommended to take medications for a long time, if there is no improvement after a few days, then it is better to consult a doctor again. Often you can do without taking any drugs and cure a cough with the help of effective traditional medicine.

Causes of cough during pregnancy

There may be several causes of cough, among them are various viral diseases (whooping cough, measles, tuberculosis, sinusitis, etc.), allergies, acute respiratory infections, smoking. Cough during pregnancy usually occurs against the background of acute respiratory infections, often with a cough a woman is tormented by a runny nose, fever, weakness and other manifestations of a cold. In the event of a dry cough, it is impossible to wait until it turns into a wet one for several reasons. First of all, with a dry cough, the abdominal cavity is under constant pressure, it prevents you from fully resting at night. Therefore, it is necessary to treat, or rather soothe, a dry cough without delay.

One of the most common causes of cough is chronic or acute inflammation in the upper and lower airways. If a cough appears against the background of a runny nose, then the cause of this may be the flow of mucus along the back of the nasopharynx, which leads to irritation of the mucous membrane and, accordingly, to a coughing fit. With inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis), cough appears as a reaction to the inflammatory process.

Inflammation of the bronchi, lung tissue (bronchitis, pneumonia) leads to coughing as a result of the accumulation of sputum in the lower respiratory tract in large quantities. Allergic diseases can also provoke coughing, this cause is also widespread among pregnant women. Obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma, allergic tracheitis lead to allergic cough. Much less often, cough occurs against the background of neurotic reactions of the body, diseases of the ear canal, stomach, diaphragm, cardiovascular system, and thyroid gland.

Cough symptoms during pregnancy

Cough during pregnancy occurs for a variety of reasons, but many are mistaken in assuming that cough develops only against the background of diseases of the respiratory tract or lungs. Cough can talk about heart failure, cancer, tuberculosis. In such conditions, a cough that does not go away for a long time is usually worried.

Cough against the background of a viral infection, for example, with influenza, at the beginning of the first days is unproductive, and then mucus appears, possibly with purulent impurities. A person has chest pains, cough is accompanied by fever, weakness, headache.

If bronchitis became the cause of the cough, then it has a productive character from the very beginning of its appearance. A sharp and severe cough is the main symptom of bronchitis, which is a complication of a cold. With bronchitis, the temperature rises slightly, weakness and lethargy appear. If bronchitis flows into a chronic form, then the cough is deaf, with sputum, sometimes with impurities of pus, later the sputum acquires a brownish tint. Attacks of coughing are aggravated in the cold, in stuffy rooms, and cause pain in the chest. The temperature may be insignificant, general weakness appears.

In bronchial asthma, the cough is chronic, very severe, sometimes it can provoke an asthma attack. Such a cough is exacerbated at certain times of the year, usually in spring or autumn, occurs under the influence of an allergen. As a rule, with bronchial asthma, the mucus is very thick and transparent, and is released in a fairly small amount.

Pharyngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis in a chronic form cause frequent bouts of dry cough. As a rule, the cough worsens at night. There may be pain in the forehead, under the eyes.

In diseases of the pleura, a dry cough is observed, which gives pain in the sternum. Inflammation of the pleura is accompanied by a very high temperature, shortness of breath, severe pain in the chest. With tuberculosis, at first the cough is mild, mostly dry, then it develops into a severe, wet cough that exhausts the person. It usually worsens at night, bloody impurities may appear in the mucus. With the disease, the temperature is kept at the level of 37-38 degrees, the person loses weight sharply, he is tormented by profuse sweating, chills. Diseases, as a rule, develop as a result of contact with the patient.

With whooping cough, a very strong cough begins from the very first days, which often ends in vomiting.

Measles is accompanied by a dry, debilitating cough, a rash appears on the skin and mucous membranes, and the temperature rises.

With a cancerous process in the lungs, first a dry, and then a wet cough appears with the release of pus. If the cancer is in the bronchi, then the sputum is similar in color to raspberry jelly.

Heart failure is accompanied by a debilitating dry cough, shortness of breath occurs, attacks usually occur with exertion, are aggravated at night, very similar to an asthmatic attack, with the only difference that in heart failure, when standing up, the cough stops. In heart failure, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness are observed - all these signs usually do not cause suspicion and the disease goes unnoticed.

Wet cough during pregnancy

A wet cough usually appears in the autumn-winter period, during an exacerbation of colds. Cough is a kind of body defense against the penetration of viruses, irritation of the mucous membrane, etc. Wet cough during pregnancy can be triggered by both the common cold and more serious diseases - bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia.

Doctors call a wet cough productive because it has an effective result for the body, namely, the removal of sputum containing viruses from the bronchi. This is a good sign of the body's fight against the disease.

In diseases of the respiratory system, a wet cough usually occurs, an increase in bronchial secretion occurs in the body, as a result of which sputum production begins with harmful bacteria and viruses. The type of sputum can tell about the disease, for example, a transparent color indicates bronchial asthma, a reddish tint indicates pneumonia.

Wet cough manifests itself as one of the symptoms of various diseases that affect the respiratory system. Often a wet cough occurs with a disease of the lungs or bronchi (flu, acute bronchitis, acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis).

dry cough during pregnancy

A dry or non-productive cough tends to be more troublesome. Attacks of dry cough can cause increasing irritation of the respiratory tract and may even provoke vomiting.

If a dry cough appears during pregnancy, this may mean that the bronchi cannot get rid of the accumulated sputum. The body connects the cough to push the trachea and bronchi to the output of mucus.

A persistent dry cough for a long time can signal inflammation of the lungs, especially if there is a high temperature. If the temperature is not elevated, but when you cough, you feel perspiration, severe pain, then in this case there may be a sore throat.

Quite often, dry cough develops against the background of viral infections, respiratory diseases. If the cough has acquired a barking sound, then inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords may have begun. In this case, it is necessary to urgently start treatment, since inflammation of the larynx can lead to suffocation. Deaf dry cough occurs with cancerous processes in the respiratory tract or tuberculosis. Dry paroxysmal cough, which can break down to vomiting, may indicate whooping cough or bronchial asthma.

To alleviate the condition of a pregnant woman with a dry cough, you need, first of all, to calm him down. To do this, you can use some syrups (but not in the first trimester), which will soothe the mucosa and probably push the bronchi to excrete sputum.

Dry cough can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common is respiratory disease. Very often, a cough is accompanied by a runny nose, fever, weakness, poor appetite, sore throat, etc. It is impossible to wait until a dry cough turns into a wet one for several reasons, primarily due to the tension of the abdominal muscles, which can harm the child, and a dry cough does not allow you to fully rest at night. All this does not give a pregnant woman time to wait until the body copes with the disease on its own, it is necessary to calm the dry cough as soon as possible.

You can soothe a dry cough with special preparations, they will have a calming, analgesic effect. When choosing a medicine, be sure to read the composition of the drug, it should not contain narcotic substances (morphine, codeine). During pregnancy, preference should be given to those drugs that are recommended by manufacturers for children under the age of three. But in any case, it is not advisable to take any medications, especially in the first trimester, it is better to try to calm a dry cough with the help of traditional medicine. In this case, everything depends on the individual characteristics of your body, incl. intolerance to some components. The simplest and most effective help for dry cough is inhalation. Inhalation of warm steam (especially boiled potatoes in their uniforms) will calm you well and bring long-awaited relief. You can also use a decoction of chamomile, sage, lime blossom, plantain. If you do not have a special inhaler, you can use the method that our grandmothers used - inhalation of vapors over a saucepan, covered with a towel. But such procedures are contraindicated at high blood pressure and temperature.

With a dry cough, the main treatment should be aimed at transferring it to a wet one. As soon as the process of excretion of sputum begins, the bronchi will begin to get rid of infection, bacteria and inflamed particles of the bronchi.

Of course, in the beginning you need to get rid of the cause of the cough (allergies, infections, etc.). But it is better to take any drugs on the recommendation of a doctor, depending on the nature of the cough, he will prescribe the appropriate (thinning or expectorant) drugs.

Severe cough during pregnancy

A strong exhausting cough during pregnancy causes not only great inconvenience, but can also cause severe pain. When a coughing fit begins, there is no way to breathe, a woman cannot fully rest at night, coughing can torment until vomiting appears. A severe cough during pregnancy occurs for various reasons, as already mentioned, the most common is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. Often, a cough occurs against the background of a runny nose - mucus flows down the nasopharynx, which causes irritation of the mucous membrane and, accordingly, a strong attack of coughing.

Inflammation can begin in the pharynx, larynx, trachea - all this will cause coughing fits. If inflammation has affected the tissues of the bronchi or lungs, bronchitis and pneumonia begin, as a result of which a large amount of mucus accumulates in the bronchi, which, together with infections, is excreted when coughing.

In addition, the strongest bouts of coughing can cause allergic conditions. Cough rarely occurs in diseases of the stomach, thyroid gland, heart, etc. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons for the occurrence of a strong cough, but it is the underlying disease that has developed a strong cough that has a direct threat to a pregnant woman. But the cough itself should not be ignored. With a strong cough, a woman's intra-abdominal pressure rises, and this is very dangerous for a woman in position. Tension of the abdominal muscles and high pressure in the abdominal cavity can provoke premature birth, placental abruption, miscarriage. Those. a strong cough during pregnancy poses a serious threat, and treatment cannot be delayed and delayed. Cough is a natural defense of the body against the ingress of bacteria, viruses, dust, foreign particles into the lungs. When it enters the bronchi, "unwanted guests" dismount with mucus, and then are pushed out with a cough. A kind of cough plays the role of cleaning the lungs from various contaminants that get there when inhaled. But you should not completely rely on your immune system and wait until the body copes with the infection on its own, especially when pregnant. First of all, the woman's immunity is in a depressed state, therefore, it is not able to perform its functions 100%, moreover, coughing attacks can lead to unwanted complications of pregnancy.

Cough treatment should be started from the very beginning of the disease, so you can achieve a positive effect in the first few days, preventing the development of more severe symptoms. A strong cough is dangerous for both the mother and the child, therefore, in the early stages, it is good to fight it with folk methods, for example, honey with warm milk - it will soothe and relieve a coughing fit. You can do a chest massage with honey (if you are not allergic to honey). A woman should rest more, drink a sufficient amount of liquid (tea with jam, lemon, warm compotes, herbal decoctions, etc.), it is desirable to ventilate the room as often as possible.

Consequences of coughing during pregnancy

Cough in the normal state of a person is not dangerous, rather the opposite. When coughing, the bronchi are cleared of accumulated mucus, pus, bacteria, etc. But coughing during pregnancy poses an immediate threat to the baby, and it is necessary to start treating it as early as possible.

The consequences of coughing are felt almost immediately by a pregnant woman. An attack of coughing provokes tension in the abdominal wall, as well as the uterus. Frequent, long and regular bouts of coughing bring the uterus into a strong tone, which at the beginning of pregnancy can cause a miscarriage, and at a later date - premature birth, but in both cases, the life of the mother and child is in serious danger.

But these are not the only consequences that a cough can lead to. With uterine hypertonicity, blood circulation worsens, as a result, the child in the womb does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, and oxygen starvation (hypoxia) develops.

An equally serious consequence is placental abruption, high blood pressure, which also leads to negative consequences during pregnancy. A strong dry cough can cause vomiting, resulting in dehydration, weakness, loss of important vitamins and minerals. Plus, nights of inadequate sleep are added to everything. But all these conditions occur with advanced forms of cough, which is highly undesirable to allow.

It is important to remember that a cough does not develop on its own, it develops against the background of a certain disease, sometimes extremely severe. You need to know that completely different methods are used to treat dry and wet coughs. Expectant mothers should take any medication under the strict supervision of a doctor so as not to harm themselves and the baby.

Treatment of cough during pregnancy

With a dry cough, which is accompanied by a sore throat (against the background of a cold), inhalations help well, which can be carried out using a special device, an inhaler, or you can use a simple method - breathe in pairs over a wide cup or saucepan. To enhance the effect, you can cover yourself with a towel. You need to breathe for about 5-10 minutes, during the procedure you should not have any discomfort. You can repeat no more than 5-6 procedures per day, in this case you need to monitor your well-being.

Inhalations are contraindicated at high temperature, as it can rise even higher, after the procedure, you need to give maximum rest to the throat - do not drink, do not eat, do not talk.

Pregnant women are well suited for the following inhalations, which are allowed in such cases:

• honey - dissolve one part of honey in five parts of warm water (about 40 degrees), breathe over the resulting solution with your nose and mouth, alternately.
• tincture of sage - 2 tbsp. pour spoons with boiling water (200 ml), rise under the lid for 20 minutes
• put pine needle extract in boiling water (you can use essential oil), 2 teaspoons of dried eucalyptus leaves, crushed garlic (1 teaspoon), validol tablet (as a source of menthol).
• soda - per liter of boiling water 2-3 tbsp. spoons of soda, such inhalations when coughing, remove the spasm well, and also do not cause allergic reactions.

There are now commercially available ultrasonic inhalers that use cold vapor, such inhalers are well suited for high temperatures. But such devices need to be filled with specially prepared solutions, therefore, before treatment, you need to carefully study the composition of the drug so that it does not contain components that are contraindicated during pregnancy.

When coughing, rinses can be used to soothe an irritated throat. The following recipes help to relieve coughing fits:

• mix in equal proportions eucalyptus, calendula flowers, sage. 1 st. Spoons of the resulting mixture pour boiling water (200 ml), then warm in a water bath for about ten minutes, make sure that it does not boil. Gargle with the resulting chilled broth several times a day. Such an infusion has short healing properties of only a few hours, so it is best to always use freshly prepared.
• in equal proportions, raspberry leaves, pine buds, mint, chamomile leaves, marshmallow root, clover flowers, coltsfoot grass, fireweed - 1 tbsp. spoons of the mixture for 200 ml of boiling water, warm in a water bath for about 15 minutes, then the broth is poured into a thermos (or you can use a jar, wrapping it well) and leave for 2 hours, after the broth is infused, you need to strain it and use it for rinsing several times in a day.
• 1/2 teaspoon of soda for 200 ml of warm water

Reduces pain in an irritated throat, softens cough, thins sputum, facilitates coughing and improves the general condition. Drink plenty of water. When coughing, it is recommended to take the following decoctions and tinctures:

• take 2 dry figs and boil in milk for about 20 minutes. It is best to drink such a decoction before going to bed in a warm form.
• warm milk, honey, butter and soda on the tip of a knife. You need to drink several times a day.
• prepare a mixture of dried apples, raspberries, raisins, wild rose and hawthorn, take 4 tbsp. spoons brew 400 ml of boiling water. Warm up in a water bath for 20 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover and let it brew for half an hour, strain. Drink the infusion warm several times a day, you can add a little honey for taste.
• half a glass of dried fruits of viburnum should be poured with 400 ml of boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes, then strained. You can add honey to the drink, take half a glass several times a day.

With a dry cough that has developed against the background of laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, you can alleviate the condition with herbal preparations:

• prepare a mixture of equal parts of wild rose, chamomile, plantain leaves, primrose grass. Pour 2 tbsp. tablespoons of a mixture of 400 ml of boiling water and slowly warm in a water bath for 20 minutes, then cover the broth with a lid and let it brew for 30 minutes, strain. Take 1/3 cup several times a day.
• in equal parts thyme herb, flax seeds, anise fruits mix, 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of the resulting mixture with 200 ml of cool boiled water, insist for two hours, then slowly bring the broth to a boil, allow to cool slightly and strain. The decoction is consumed three times in 1/3 cup.
• 1 st. a spoonful of marshmallow root must be infused in a glass of cold water for 8-10 hours, it is good to prepare such a medicine in the evening, then in the morning it remains only to strain and drink 1/3 cup three times a day.
• prepare clover flowers like regular tea (take 2 teaspoons on a porcelain teapot), insist for 15 minutes and drink half a cup warm several times a day, you can use honey (this tea is suitable for bronchial asthma).
• with pneumonia, bronchitis, etc., it is good to treat a wet cough with an infusion of three tablespoons of coltsfoot (you need to mix flowers and leaves in equal proportions) in two cups of boiling water. Infuse for an hour and a half in a thermos, then strain and drink 1/3 cup several times a day.

How to treat cough during pregnancy?

Cough during pregnancy must be treated with one very important condition: not to harm the baby. As soon as a woman feels unwell, she should immediately consult a doctor. When treating, it is also necessary to take into account the duration of pregnancy, since in the first three months it is forbidden to use any medications, and in the last months it is allowed to use some medications.

Treatment of a pregnant woman should be aimed at relieving cough and eliminating the main source of the disease. With a respiratory infection, the body can be helped by folk remedies. With the proper use of medicinal herbs, you can get rid of even a very strong cough. Herbs work best in direct contact with the affected area - the throat. For these purposes, inhalations, rinses are well suited. Well suited for both inhalation and for rinsing breast collection (sold ready-made in a pharmacy). If there is no special inhaler, you can use a pot, a kettle (breathe through the spout), you can also roll a piece of paper into a cone and thus breathe. When treating cough, it is best to choose several methods (rinsing + inhalation + herbal infusions inside), with such an integrated approach, the effectiveness of treatment will be higher and recovery will come faster.

If traditional medicine does not cope or there are any contraindications for treatment, for example, allergies, then you should definitely consult a doctor about possible drug treatment. As a rule, in such situations, natural preparations are prescribed, which include herbs (psyllium syrup, mukaltin). Rinsing helps to reduce pain and irritation. Wet cough during pregnancy is treated much longer, since strong drugs are not used.

Aroma oils are well suited for the treatment of cough, for this you need to drop a few drops into a special aroma lamp, if there is none, use a handkerchief or napkin. You can use asterisk balm, eucalyptus oil, sage oil for aromatherapy. In the treatment of cough, the main thing is to prevent the running process, otherwise there will be serious complications.

Prevention of cough during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is important to ensure that the weakened body receives enough vitamins and minerals, especially during the cold season, when the “cold season” begins.

If you are going to a place where there will be a lot of people (antenatal clinic, work, transport, shop, etc.), you need to lubricate your nose with oxolin ointment, which will not allow viruses to enter the body.

If someone in the household is sick, you can fight the infection with the help of aroma: finely chop the garlic and spread it around the room in small plates or saucers. Garlic contains a large amount of phytoncides (antimicrobial substances of plant origin), they will help protect against the spread of infection around the house.

It is necessary to ventilate the rooms daily, even in the cold season. It is best to ventilate the room before going to bed for 15-20 minutes (you do not need to be in a ventilated room at this time).

Aroma oil is an excellent antimicrobial agent. Eucalyptus, tea tree, fir, orange oil can be used to protect against viruses, both at home and in public places, by lubricating the nose with a drop of oil (provided that the aroma does not irritate or cause discomfort).

It is important to monitor the humidity in the room. When using heaters, it is good to get special humidifiers to prevent overdrying of the air. You can humidify the air with a wet towel on the radiator, but this is not as effective.

Cough during pregnancy is a protective function of the body, it removes bacteria and viruses from the bronchi. A wet cough is inherently more effective, since sputum with pathological contents is removed to the outside, while this does not happen with a dry one. When treating a dry cough, it is important to soothe an irritated throat and help the cough to become productive, i.e. became wet. Cough for a pregnant woman is an immediate danger, as it causes an overstrain of the abdominal muscles, which threatens to complication of pregnancy. It is necessary to treat a cough, both dry and wet, immediately after its appearance. In the early days, you can try to cope with the disease with the help of traditional medicine, and if there is no improvement or it gets worse, you need to urgently consult a doctor so that the process does not go too far.

Cough in adults: types, causes of attacks

Cough without a cause in adults cannot appear. This reflex action occurs against the background of various ailments. Forced intercourse is a very important symptom, which has many varieties. It can start suddenly and resemble an attack. There are other types of cough in adults, for example, its sound can be barking, whistling, hoarse. Of great importance is the consistency and color of the secreted mucus, whether it exists at all. Analyzing these and other visible signs, the doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis. It is possible to find out exactly which ailment caused the appearance of a reflex action in a person only after receiving the results of a biochemical analysis of blood, sputum and urine.

Varieties of cough in adults

Doctors have developed a clear structure for questioning a sick person, thanks to which a specialist can collect an accurate history of the development of the disease within a few minutes. In the survey, a significant role is assigned to what sounds are heard when coughing in an adult, the sensations that he experiences during a reflex act. Also, the specialist is obligatory interested in the duration of the involuntary action, in whether there are concomitant visible manifestations, such as a runny nose, shortness of breath. When exactly forced exhalation occurs, for example, cough in an adult is present only during the day, after sleep, in the morning or at night. The fact is that various manifestations of the reflex act can signal the development of ailments of the cardiovascular system, lung damage, and the development of asthma. Therefore, in the diagnosis, even the smallest detail plays an important role.

The cause of the reflex act, in this case, is a strong swelling of the larynx. Because of this, the gap in it is significantly narrowed. This type of involuntary action is also called tracheal. In an adult, laryngeal edema can be triggered by various reasons, the most common factors include:

The barking reflex act is very dangerous, because in severe cases it can end in loss of consciousness due to a feeling of suffocation. A person in this condition cannot fully produce the process of coughing. Inhalation is incomplete, and exhalation is accompanied by a strong suffocating cough. As a rule, the voice at this moment is quiet and hoarse.

A suffocating reflex act, which has a paroxysmal character, is typical for the manifestation of an allergic or infectious-allergic reaction to stimuli. This involuntary action occurs in people with asthma. A feature of cough in adults with allergies is that it can have a different character. The duration of the reflex action can also be different. Most often, a cough in an adult is accompanied by snot, suffocation, redness of the eyelids, and swelling of the larynx. An exhausting reflex act, passing with whistling and wheezing, may indicate the development of bronchitis. It is worth noting that in some cases, such an allergy reaction may not end immediately after the removal of the allergen, but may continue for weeks or even months.

Cough in adults after pneumonia and SARS

Doctors often record situations when, after a full course of treatment, a person continues to have involuntary acts for several more weeks. A dull cough is a completely normal phenomenon, which is provoked by the intake of mucolytics during treatment. In the event that the reflex action is suffocating, it is imperative to seek help from a doctor, since, most likely, we are talking about a relapse of pneumonia or SARS. There may be several reasons for the fact that a new round of development of the disease has begun. Firstly, non-compliance with the doctor's prescriptions, that is, refusal to take medication or bed rest. Secondly, incorrect determination of the cause of pneumonia, and, as a result, the appointment of the wrong group of antibiotics.

Causeless cough in adults

As a rule, the cause of an incomprehensible reflex act, the beginning of which has no real explanation (there is no temperature, all tests are normal), is a nervous shock or overexcitation. Most often, such a cough in adults is fixed before any important events. If the causeless involuntary action is debilitating and lasts for several months, then the source of trouble is a depressive state, an oppressive feeling of guilt for something.

A cough not associated with colds usually occurs when any foreign bodies enter the larynx, trachea or lungs. In this case, coughing is a reflex action of the body and helps to get rid of foreign objects. However, these events are rare and do not recur often. But if the cough after eating appears constantly, this indicates serious health problems.

A cough that occurs after eating can begin for a variety of reasons, which can be conditionally divided into:

• Non-pathological;
• Pathological.

Non-pathological causes of cough that appear after eating are usually associated with eating foods that irritate the esophagus. It is too spicy or sour food and a lot of spices. Also, small coughs often occur when eating excessively dry food.

The pathological causes of a cough that begins after eating include the following conditions:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is manifested by weakness of the esophageal sphincter and constant ejection of food along with the secretion produced from the stomach back into the esophagus;
• Gastritis, accompanied by increased acidity of the gastric secretion;
• Allergy to certain foods. Such a cough is accompanied by a feeling of tickling after eating, while it tickles and tickles in the throat after 3-40 minutes. The rate of discomfort and coughing depends on the severity of the allergy to the product;
• Asthma triggered by infection, inflammation or allergies. It manifests itself in the periodic narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, up to its complete closure, which is fraught with a fatal outcome;
• Infections and inflammatory processes. Cough after eating occurs from mechanical irritation of the inflamed mucous membrane of the throat and nasopharynx with food;
• Heart diseases.

The constant appearance of a cough after eating can occur with a pathology of the structure of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Types of cough after eating

To determine why, after eating, a strong cough constantly begins, as well as perspiration in the throat, the type of pathology can help. So, a regular cough after eating happens:

• Dry;
• With sputum, or wet.

In rare cases, the pathology is accompanied by vomiting. Cough that occurs in the first 15 minutes after eating, and is accompanied by vomiting, is one of the main signs of serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract:

• Fusion of the lumen of the esophagus;
• tumor growth;
• GREB.

When a cough appears within 2 hours after eating, accompanied by vomiting, then these are stomach problems. This phenomenon is usually accompanied by heartburn, and the vomit has a distinct sour taste. The main reasons why a cough with vomiting appears after 3 or more hours after eating lie in the improper functioning of the intestines.

Dry cough after eating

A dry cough that occurs after eating usually indicates that food has entered the respiratory tract. In such a situation, partial and complete overlapping of the lumen of the respiratory tract with a piece of food is possible. When this happens regularly, it is worth checking the condition of the epiglottis and the muscles of the oral cavity responsible for blocking the entrance to the larynx while swallowing food.

Dry cough appears after eating in the presence of a respiratory tract infection, gastritis or allergies in the body. But often the phenomenon occurs in smokers, as well as in a healthy person with malnutrition.

Cough with phlegm after eating

Pathologies of the respiratory tract usually lead to the appearance of a cough with sputum after eating. In this case, the use of food is accompanied by the throwing of particles of food with gastric juice into the respiratory tract. In turn, the bronchi try to get rid of unnatural contents with the help of reflex pushing movements, coughing.

Reflex discharge of sputum after eating occurs with such pathologies:

• Bronchial asthma;
• Emphysema;
• Bronchitis;
• Tracheitis;
• Pneumonia;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Often, sputum leaves after eating in smokers with experience.

Associated symptoms

A cough that appears after eating is almost always accompanied by other symptoms. It could be:

• Heartburn. Occurs when gastric juice and food particles get outside the stomach. Most often occurs with a weakened gastric sphincter. Unpleasant sensations in the form of a burning sensation occur in the area of ​​​​the chest and pharynx;
• Breathlessness. It occurs with bronchial asthma, the ingress of food particles into the respiratory lumen, as well as problems with the functioning of the heart muscle. The phenomenon is accompanied by a significant increase in the number of breaths and exhalations per minute. At the same time, the depth of respiratory movements is small;
• Suffocation. Occurs due to complete blockage of the respiratory lumen. The victim at the same time can not take a breath and begins to turn blue. The condition is extremely dangerous and requires urgent first aid;
• Belching. This is the removal of gases that appear during the processing of food, up the digestive tract. The symptom indicates the presence of diseases of the digestive system. Exhaust gases may have a smell of rotten eggs or a sour taste;
• Feeling of heaviness in the chest. Indicates pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by the appearance of a feeling of squeezing of the internal organs and dull pain.

A strong cough after eating can provoke the reflux of stomach contents into the respiratory tract. As a result, asphyxia or the development of pneumonia is possible.

Diagnostics

To find out why a cough occurs after eating, it is important to see a doctor. Diagnosis of the condition in such cases is carried out in a complex manner, and includes:

• Initial examination and fixing of complaints;
• Delivery of a general blood and urine test. The results allow you to determine the presence of inflammatory processes in the body;
• Chest x-ray. Allows you to exclude problems with the bronchi and lungs;
• Fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS). This is a study of sections of the gastrointestinal tract from the inside using an endoscope. The procedure helps to detect pathologies of the structure and violations of the integrity of tissues;
• Immunological studies, including stress tests, to detect allergies;
• Cardiography. Allows you to assess the condition and correct functioning of the heart muscle;
• Spirography. It helps to find out the size and condition of the lungs, as well as to exclude the pathology of their structure.

The initial diagnosis is based on an analysis of the symptoms present. But to clarify the diagnosis and proper treatment, it may be necessary to consult several specialists. Usually this is a therapist, ENT, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist and allergist.

Treating post-eating cough

It is possible to treat a cough that occurs after eating only after identifying its underlying cause. In the presence of an infection in the body, therapy will be carried out symptomatically. But you should know that when sputum is released, it is not recommended to take cough suppressants. Such treatment of cough that occurs after eating can provoke an excessive accumulation of sputum in the lungs and bronchi, which will lead to obstruction.

In the presence of allergies, treatment consists in eliminating the pathogen of the pathological reaction in the body.

If the pathology is provoked by problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, drugs that normalize the acidity and the amount of gastric secretion produced can be prescribed for treatment. Usually this:

• Omez or Omesoprazole;
• Motilium;
• Almagel;
• Phosphalugel.

Also in therapy, sorbents Enterosgel, Smecta and vitamin-mineral complexes are used.

With partial blockage of the airways by a foreign object, a person begins to actively cough, but can speak in short phrases. To alleviate the condition and remove the foreign object, the victim should straighten up and take a deep breath, and then exhale sharply, while leaning forward.

If there is a complete blockage of the respiratory lumen, the cough will be weak, and the victim will not be able to speak, will begin to choke and turn blue. In such a situation, it is urgent to carry out the Heimlich maneuver. Being behind the victim, wrap your arms around him and with a sharp movement press on the area where the sternum ends and the lower ribs join.

Possible Complications

If food is coughed up, food particles can get into the airways and block them. This is fraught with suffocation. The same condition is possible with bronchial asthma or allergies.

A dangerous complication is the ingress of particles of food and gastric juice into the lungs. In this case, the victim may develop infectious pneumonia. Often this condition leads to an abscess, obstruction, meningitis, edema, and even gangrene of the lung.

Prevention

Prevention of a pathological condition should be comprehensive. It includes the following rules:

1. Refusal to wear tight clothing, squeezing the throat, chest and abdomen.
2. Elimination of excess weight, since in its presence the heart is significantly weakened, muscle tissues are not sufficiently saturated with oxygen, and shortness of breath appears. All this disrupts the functioning of the lungs and muscles of the oral cavity, contributing to the entry of food into the respiratory tract.
3. To give up smoking. Nicotine resins accumulate in the lumen of the bronchi, significantly complicating breathing. For patients with bronchial asthma, smoking, both active and passive, is of particular danger due to problems with the functioning of the bronchi. Nicotine also destroys the lining of the stomach.
4. Do not take a horizontal position of the body earlier than 1.5-2 hours after eating. This will prevent the release of gastric secretions outside the stomach.
5. Avoid overeating.
6. Regularly, 2-3 times a week, carry out wet cleaning in the living room. For patients with allergies and bronchial asthma, wet cleaning should be carried out every other day, and ideally daily.

Regardless of the causes of the pathology, it is important to eat properly. Food should be consumed slowly. In this case, food must be chewed thoroughly.

Some people have severe seizures after eating, sometimes even with sputum, but not everyone pays attention to this fact, and in vain. What does this phenomenon indicate?

This symptom may indicate a disease such as GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Doctors also identify several other reasons, including:

• Bronchial asthma
• Allergic reaction
• Infection
• Too spicy or dry food (irritates mucous membranes)
• Entry of food into the trachea and respiratory tract

A person often thinks that an unpleasant one will pass by itself, if at the moment he is no more, there is no increased, poor health. But neglecting this symptom can lead to very unpleasant consequences.

In GERD, some food is thrown out of the stomach due to the weakening of the muscles of the esophagus, as a result of which the gastric juice irritates the mucous membrane, causing heartburn and, as a result, peptic ulcer.

If a person suffers from bronchial asthma, then, along with GERD, bronchospasm occurs, since vagal receptors in the esophagus are stimulated. The cough becomes suffocating, breathing is difficult to normalize. This is dangerous because the course of bronchial asthma becomes more complicated, since attacks can occur after each meal, and traditional drugs are no longer effective.

More information about the causes of coughing can be found in the video.

Allergic reactions can occur with the use of strong allergens, such as dairy products, citrus fruits, spices, nuts, and sweets. It can occur in young children, so it is very important to monitor the use of new foods and eliminate them from the diet if an adverse reaction occurs.

Causes such as inhalation of food, reactions to dry, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages can be much more common, but not as dangerous, as it is enough to stop taking certain foods.

Treatment

First of all, it is worth determining whether this reaction occurs to any particular product, or a cough is observed after each meal. In the first case, it will be enough to exclude something from the diet and say goodbye to unpleasant symptoms. In the second case, everything is much more complicated.

Treatment of GERD, as well as bronchial asthma, is a very difficult thing. Asthma can be helped by an allergist, as well as a pulmonologist. They will prescribe a treatment that is strictly individual for each, and will also help to avoid unpleasant symptoms.

As for GERD, it is treated not only with medicines. It is important to follow a few guidelines:

• Do not eat before bedtime, keep an interval of 3-4 hours. This will be beneficial for the whole organism as a whole.
• Stop smoking, it's really important.
• If you are overweight, start an active fight with it, so your life will become many times more comfortable, and over time there will be fewer problems.
• Watch your diet: do not eat fatty and spicy foods, watch the calorie content, do not overeat.
• Drink enough water as it is very important for digestion.

As medicines, doctors usually prescribe antacids, which help to avoid heartburn, as they neutralize the acidity of gastric juice. Be sure to consult a gastroenterologist, do not self-medicate!

Complications

First of all, if GERD is left untreated, it leads to peptic ulcer disease, which is very difficult and unpleasant to treat. With heartburn, you should definitely consult a doctor to identify its causes.

Bronchial asthma significantly reduces the quality and duration of life if left untreated. Attacks of suffocation threaten oxygen starvation.Inhalation of any foreign body can lead to death, so keep a close eye on your child during meals.

Remember: any is easier to prevent than to cure, so lead the most healthy lifestyle and do not neglect the advice of specialists and preventive examinations.

Read also:

• Bronchial asthma: instrumental and…

Cough is a kind of reflex that occurs in response to various stimuli. With the help of coughing attacks, the body gets rid of mucus and foreign objects accumulated in the respiratory organs. Most often, cough appears during respiratory and some infectious diseases. But sometimes such a symptom is provoked by completely different reasons. It happens that people notice a cough after eating. Doctors advise not to leave such a cough unattended, because it can talk about very serious pathologies.

Why does a cough appear after eating

The causes of cough after eating are varied. This includes diseases of the respiratory organs, digestive tract and systemic nature. Poor chewing of food or the consumption of allergenic foods can lead to coughing.

Most often, the cause of an unidentified cough after eating is gastric reflux disease.. With this pathology, the tone of the lowest food ring decreases. Due to this, the food is not kept in the stomach, but again moves into the esophagus.

Simultaneously with food, air is also expelled from the stomach, which enters the digestive tract when eating. Because of this, while eating food, a cough occurs.

Reflux-induced coughing attacks usually appear within 10 minutes of eating. This is how long it takes the esophageal ring to fully open.

Bronchial asthma

Cough after eating can also occur in people who suffer from bronchial asthma. In this case, a person also begins to cough due to food reflux, but the mechanism of such attacks is completely different. In asthmatic syndrome, coughing attacks are due to the fact that food accidentally enters the bronchial tree and strongly irritates the receptors located there.

Asthmatic cough after eating can also develop due to the stimulation of special vagal receptors, which are located in the distal region of the esophagus.

Ingestion of food into the respiratory tract

If during a meal a person begins to cough strongly, then they say that the food went the wrong way. This problem is most often seen in children and the elderly. In this case, the cough is intense and occurs in attacks.

A person coughs hysterically for several minutes until food particles are removed from the respiratory tract. Even after the pieces of food are coughed up, the person does not feel very well for some time.

Spicy dishes

Cough may occur immediately after taking spicy or too acidic food. In this case, the mucous membrane of the throat is strongly irritated, which is why a cough occurs. In some people, an intense cough occurs when eating dry bread, rolls, or alcoholic beverages.

Allergy

Coughing during and immediately after eating can be a reaction to allergens entering the body. These can be flavorings, dyes and preservatives, which are often added to food products to improve taste and extend shelf life.

Quite often, coughing occurs when eating such a delicacy as blue cheese, as well as when eating heavily spiced food and confectionery.

Foods that have added yellow dye can provoke a cough. Most often it is confectionery and dairy products.

Respiratory infections

Coughing up after eating can be a sign of a respiratory problem. In this case, the mucous throat is very irritated by pathogenic microorganisms, and when it comes into contact with hot or cool food, cough urges appear. A cold cough bothers a person throughout the day, and not just during meals.

How to treat

If coughing during meals or immediately after it bothers you often, then you should consult a doctor. Only a specialist can determine the cause of such a phenomenon. To begin with, you should go to the therapist, and he can already redirect the patient to a gastroenterologist and an allergist. To make a correct diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a series of examinations, and only after receiving the results, the doctor determines the treatment regimen.

But one drug treatment is not enough to get rid of such a problem. To eliminate such bronchospasms, the following recommendations should be followed:

• don't eat too late. The last meal should be at least a couple of hours before bedtime;
• you need to get rid of all bad habits;
• you should reduce the consumption of too fatty and very high-calorie foods;
• If you are overweight, try to reduce it.

Sometimes a dry cough after eating indicates a lack of fluid in the body. This phenomenon is especially common in older people. Lack of fluid interferes with the normal digestion of food. In this case, doctors recommend drinking half a glass of pure water immediately after eating.

If the cause of coughing is reflux disease, then the doctor prescribes antacids that protect the stomach lining from irritation. Even after drinking one course of such drugs, you can completely get rid of coughing while eating.

The patient should be closely monitored for symptoms. If the cough is accompanied by severe heartburn, then this indicates problems with digestion. With frequent coughing attacks with a lot of sputum, asthma can be suspected.

Cough Prevention

If coughing while eating occurs very rarely, then you should not worry in this case. You can completely get rid of such an unpleasant symptom if you follow certain recommendations:

• You need to eat in small portions, but often. The best option is five meals a day, where three main meals and two snacks.
• From the diet you need to remove everything that can provoke an allergy.
• It is necessary to eat only natural products. It is worth completely abandoning semi-finished products, fast food and other junk food.
• While eating, nothing should constrain the stomach and chest. This greatly impairs the digestion of food.
• You can not rush, you need to chew each portion well. If food is swallowed hastily, this can also lead to coughing.
• Do not abuse foods that can lead to fermentation in the stomach. These are legumes, cabbage and fresh cucumbers.
• No need to overeat. Excessive food intake leads not only to constant coughing, but also to being overweight.
• During the day, you need to periodically drink clean water. We must not forget that a dry cough can be caused by a lack of fluid in the body.

The dwelling must be ventilated frequently and the optimum temperature and humidity must be observed in it. If a person constantly inhales very dry and hot air, then this can also provoke coughing attacks.

If preventive measures were ineffective and the cough periodically worries, you still need to see a doctor. After a complete examination, the patient is prescribed the necessary treatment, aimed not only at eliminating the unpleasant symptom, but also at the root cause of this phenomenon. It is not worth making diagnoses on your own, as well as self-medicating, this will not lead to anything good.