Choking on small amounts of liquid
Since I was diagnosed with COPD choking on very minute amounts of liquid, even saliva, has been getting worse. Today I was eating a Jelly Bean and choked so bad on my saliva that I couldn’t breathe for several seconds. My husband had to pull the car over so I could get out and stand up.
Is this common? Does anyone know why or if anything can help?
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Do you have a hiatal hernia by chance? I have one and COPD. I know that it pushes the stomach upwards towards your esophagus and could cause coughing and choking. Standing up would cause the stomach to drop somewhat back lower to normal position. Are you involuntarily trying to breathe while swallowing? This is something your medical team should be informed about. An x-ray or CT Scan might be needed for further investigation. Please contact your medical team about this problem. Take care and God Bless!
I know this is taking things kind of off-topic, but are you able to have your hernia repaired? That's got to be a pain to be walking around with. Of course, surgery isn't for everyone, just curious about what's going on in your case. Hope you're managing okay. <3 -Melissa, team member ,
I answered yesterday, but apparently the post never got posted. A Hiatal Hernia is one where the muscles around the esophagus weaken or are torn and allows the stomach to push up towards the esophagus. It is not really painful unless you eat the wrong foods. Like acidic or deep fried stuff. Most hiatal hernias are the sliding type, where they can move up and down. I use heel drop exercises to keep my stomach where it belongs. I eat a bland diet and stay away from stuff like pizza, chili, Italian, fried fish, chocolate, caffeine, etc. As long as I stat within my diet, it usually does not bother me. I do miss those foods, but it is what it is. I do not really want surgery if I can avoid it. It does not bother me walking around, exercising, cleaning, or playing with my grandsons. Thanks for asking! Take care and God Bless!
Hi
. has given you some great advice. You are certainly not alone. Many people with COPD have trouble with choking at some point. Here is a wonderful article with some tips for preventing it: https://copd.net/living/preventing-choking. It is a good idea to discuss it with your doctor though, if you haven't already. Your doctor can rule out an potential contributing factors. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) I did go to the Dr and she sent me for a swallowing test, which I failed. There are going to do another test. Apparently Dysphasia is fairly common and happens when the muscles weaken from coughing and clearing the throat so much. Unfortunately I think all they can do is offer some tools and exercises to try and build the muscles up a little
When are you scheduled to have your other test? I would encourage you to hang onto hope -- those exercises and therapies you learn can really be powerful tools. Think about the ways they are used to help people recover from stroke, speech disorders, etc. Additionally, have you ever been to a pulmonary rehab program? They can teach you how to cough more effectively which could slow down the dysphagia symptoms. Thinking of you, please keep us updated. -Melissa, team member
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After some research, I think you are talking about Dysphagia. Dysphasia is a language disorder. I hope your doctors get your condition under control. It sounds pretty miserable. Please keep us up to date on what happens and what the doctors say you need to do to get over it or at least gain some control of it. Take Care and God Bless!
