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What Causes Difficulty In Breathing Along With Choking On Food?
I have been told I have Emphesyma & COPD. My breathing has become significantly more difficult and I seem to choke often while eating or even on my own saliva.....is this all a part of the disease and is there something that can be done to aleiviate this?
Tue, 2 May 2023
Hi,
Emphysema and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are both lung conditions that can cause difficulty in breathing. Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs are damaged and loses their elasticity, while COPD is a more general term used to describe chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other related lung conditions.
Choking on food or saliva can be a symptom of COPD and emphysema because these conditions can cause breathing difficulties and make it harder to swallow properly. The muscles used for swallowing are closely connected to the muscles used for breathing, and when one is weakened or damaged, the other can be affected as well.
Several things can be done to alleviate these symptoms. One important step is to work with your healthcare provider to develop a management plan for your COPD or emphysema. This may include medications to help manage your symptoms, as well as breathing exercises and other therapies to improve lung function.
In addition to medical management, some lifestyle changes can help improve breathing and reduce the risk of choking. These may include quitting smoking (if you smoke), avoiding foods that are difficult to swallow, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, and staying well-hydrated.
If you are experiencing frequent choking or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and guide the best course of treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Emphysema and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are both lung conditions that can cause difficulty in breathing. Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs are damaged and loses their elasticity, while COPD is a more general term used to describe chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other related lung conditions.
Choking on food or saliva can be a symptom of COPD and emphysema because these conditions can cause breathing difficulties and make it harder to swallow properly. The muscles used for swallowing are closely connected to the muscles used for breathing, and when one is weakened or damaged, the other can be affected as well.
Several things can be done to alleviate these symptoms. One important step is to work with your healthcare provider to develop a management plan for your COPD or emphysema. This may include medications to help manage your symptoms, as well as breathing exercises and other therapies to improve lung function.
In addition to medical management, some lifestyle changes can help improve breathing and reduce the risk of choking. These may include quitting smoking (if you smoke), avoiding foods that are difficult to swallow, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, and staying well-hydrated.
If you are experiencing frequent choking or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and guide the best course of treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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