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Don’t ignore shortness of breath after eating. It could mean you need to eat smaller meals, but it could be something more serious. Digestive problems, respiratory conditions and more could be the cause. Try these simple solutions or consult your doctor.

Dec. 26, 2024

By Marlene Chang-Brown, MD
WellMed at Mission
McAllen, TX

It is that time of year when many of us enjoy the treats and large meals of the holiday season. Although satisfying, large meals can cause discomfort. For some, that includes shortness of breath. Eating too much could be the cause, but if you have repeated bouts of shortness of breath, see your doctor, it could be something more serious than overeating.

Shortness of breath after eating can have many causes, including:

  • Eating too much: Eating too much or too quickly can put pressure on your diaphragm and stomach, making it hard for your lungs to expand.
  • Food allergies: A severe food allergy can cause shortness of breath. Usually accompanied by hives, itching or swelling of the throat, this is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical care.
  • Respiratory conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
  • Digestive problems: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia:
    • GERD: Refers to stomach acid flowing from the stomach up into the esophagus which can lead to heartburn, shortness of breath or wheezing
    • Hiatal hernia: Occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm (this is one cause of GERD)
  • Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat
  • Inhaling food: Accidentally inhaling food is called pulmonary aspiration
  • Angina: Although rare, ingesting a large meal requires extra blood flow for digestion, which can temporarily reduce blood supply to the heart, leading to chest pain or shortness of breath

How to avoid shortness of breath after eating

To avoid shortness of breath after eating, you can:

  • Eat smaller meals: It may be necessary in some medical conditions to eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day
  • Eat slowly: Take your time to chew your food thoroughly and eat smaller bites
  • Don’t drink while eating: Cut back on drinks during your meal or save liquids for afterward
  • Mind your posture: Sit up straight, stand, or take a stroll after eating instead of lying down or slouching

When to seek medical attention

If you are experiencing shortness of breath after eating, consult a health care provider and get to the root cause. There is no way to tell on your own if your shortness of breath is related to conditions like GERD or COPD. It’s important to rule out serious illnesses by seeing a doctor as soon as possible. A clinician can perform tests to determine the cause and recommend treatments.

At WellMed, we provide personalized primary care for people with Medicare. Our doctors listen with care and compassion, building strong relationships that empower you at every step. Our goal is simple: to provide the best care so you can live your best life.

Dr. Marlene Chang-Brown serves as a WellMed medical director and sees patients part time at the WellMed at Mission clinic in McAllen, Texas, where she specializes in internal medicine. Dr. Chang-Brown received her medical degree from the University of the West Indies at Mona Kingston 7, Jamaica. She served her residency in internal medicine at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in Bronx, New York. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

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At WellMed, we provide personalized primary care for people with Medicare. Our doctors listen with care and compassion, building strong relationships that empower you at every step. Our goal is simple, to provide the best care so you can live your best life.