Food Often Seems to Make Me Cough

Coughing is a reflex that occurs whenever your throat is irritated. It may occur after eating certain foods. Some digestive conditions, related to eating food, may trigger coughing and other symptoms. Oral allergy syndrome, food allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease and throat infection may all trigger coughing spells after eating food. A cough that occurs often and doesn’t go away is a condition that needs to be evaluated by your doctor. Avoid over-the-counter medications until you can be seen by your doctor.

Oral Allergy Syndrome

Oral allergy syndrome can cause throat irritation and itching to occur in your throat after eating fresh fruits, vegetables and some nuts. This condition is more common among people who suffer from allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever. Symptoms may include itching or swelling of the mouth, lips, throat or tongue. The symptoms of this condition are caused by cross-reactivity between certain pollens that you’re allergic to and proteins found in some foods.

General Food Allergy

A general food allergy can cause irritation to your throat or cause allergic asthma symptoms to develop, which leads to coughing 3. After you consume food that triggers an allergic reaction in your body, various chemicals are released that cause inflammation in soft tissue. A common symptom of a food allergy is inflammation of the lungs and airways, called allergic asthma 3. This condition causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 3.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly called GERD, is a chronic condition that causes repetitive bouts of heartburn and indigestion. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that if you develop heartburn more than twice a week, you’re considered to have GERD. Coughing is a common symptom of this digestive condition that may be managed through a modified diet.

Throat Infection

If your throat is infected with a bacteria or virus, you may find yourself coughing excessively after eating certain foods. Some foods, such as:

• acidic foods
  
• spicy foods
  
• caffeinated beverages
  
• alcohol can all irritate the lining of your esophagus
  
• while you have a throat infection

The irritation will lead to coughing as a reflex.