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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Cough After Chewing Sugarless Chewing Gum?

Age: 30 Sex: female Height: 5 1 Weight: 108 Question: When I chew gum, sugar-free OR bubblegum/non-sugar-free, I generally start coughing from the initial juicy sugar. After the intensity of the sweetness or the amount of saliva decreases, the coughing/choking stops. Additionally, just a few minutes ago, I had a much more severe coughing attack from chewing a cherry candy-cane, which has real sugar and corn syrup in it (artificial colors and flavors as well). This time, I actually was wheezing and struggling to breath. Not coughing. I believe it was an asthma attack. Asthma does run in my family. It just never occurred to me that I could have it; my potential symptoms never were as obvious as other family members. Could sugars and sweeteners be asthma triggers?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 4 Oct 2016 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 5 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
You seem to be having allergies. The allergen is more likely to be the artificial colours and flavours in the chewing gums and candies rather than the sugar itself though high concentration of sugar can also cause cough, wheezing and other asthma like symptoms.

You need to consult your PCP who may test you for allergies and may start anti allergic treatment like montair lc and inhalers for wheezing.
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What Causes Cough After Chewing Sugarless Chewing Gum?

You seem to be having allergies. The allergen is more likely to be the artificial colours and flavours in the chewing gums and candies rather than the sugar itself though high concentration of sugar can also cause cough, wheezing and other asthma like symptoms. You need to consult your PCP who may test you for allergies and may start anti allergic treatment like montair lc and inhalers for wheezing.