This article describes common causes of shortness of breath after eating.
It will also help you recognize when your symptoms require immediate medical attention.
It also reduces swelling of the upper airways (laryngeal edema), restoring normal breathing.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Heartburn
People withheartburnmay feel shortness of breath or start to wheeze during or after a meal.
A main cause of heartburn is weakness in thelower esophageal sphincter(LES).
This group of muscles acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus.
If the LES isn’t working right, stomach acid can move in the wrong direction.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)is a chronic condition in which you experience acid reflux frequently.
Some lifestyle changes can help reduce your heartburn.
They include losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and not smoking.
Limited airflow makes it harder to breathe and can lead tochronic coughand chest tightness.
Large meals also take more energy to digest, which can compound COPD-related fatigue.
Eating smaller meals several times a day can help alleviate this.
So can eating less salt, which causes fluid retention throughout the body and can make breathing harder.
If you have COPD and you are using supplemental oxygen, be sure to use it while eating too.
Shortness of breath and wheezing are hallmark symptoms along with chest pain and cough.
Asthma may occur after eating if you have a food allergy (allergic asthma).
GERD is also known to trigger asthma in some people as stomach acid leaks into the esophagus.
This can alter the position of the LES and initiate the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
This can lead to heartburn and chest pain as well as shortness of breath and coughing.
There are many possiblecauses of hiatal hernia, including older age, obesity, and smoking.
Losing weight and quitting cigarettes can significantly reduce symptoms.
Surgery is sometimes recommended to repair a hiatal hernia so that prevent acid reflux.
This is called pulmonary aspiration.
Antibiotics, or even hospitalization and breathing assistance, may be needed.
When to Get Medical Attention
Trouble breathing, for any reason, is a serious medical concern.
You may be having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Other health problems, such as COPD or GERD, may contribute to trouble breathing at mealtime.
See your healthcare provider to find out why you are having these issues and how to treat them.
You may need a change in your treatment plan or additional lifestyle modifications.
Summary
Shortness of breath after eating can be related to respiratory problems, like asthma and COPD.
Additionally, conditions that affect the digestive tractincluding GERD and hiatal herniacan lead to shortness of breath after eating.
A severe food allergy reaction, which is a medical emergency, can also be the cause.
If eating affects your breathing, talk to your healthcare provider so you could get a proper diagnosis.
Most conditions that cause shortness of breath have a better prognosis when treated early on.
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