Breathing and swallowing together

Breathing and swallowing take turns

Air and food share the throat. So each time you swallow, your breathing stops for a moment.

Most swallows happen while breathing out. Then you breathe out again after the swallow.

What COPD can change

COPD is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing harder. When you are short of breath, holding it for a swallow is harder.

Research has found this timing is more often out of step in people with COPD.

Why the timing matters

Breathing in at the wrong moment can pull food or drink toward the airway, which doctors call aspiration.

That can lead to chest infections. With a lung condition, there may be less reserve to cough it clear.

During a flare-up

When breathing is worse, from a flare-up or a chest infection, swallowing can feel harder too.

That is a good time to slow meals down, and to mention swallowing when you see your team.

What you might notice

• Feeling out of breath during or after a meal.
• Coughing on drinks, or on long gulps.
• Getting tired before the meal is done.
• Eating less because meals feel like hard work.

What can help

• Rest before meals, so you start with more breath.
• Small bites and small sips, one at a time.
• Take your time. Pause to breathe between mouthfuls.
• Sit upright to eat.
• Smaller, more frequent meals can feel easier.
• Try not to talk while you chew and swallow. Talking uses the same breath.
• If you use oxygen, ask whether to keep it on while you eat.
• There are ways to time your breath and your swallow. An SLP can show them and check if they help.

Questions to ask your care team

• Could my breathing be affecting my swallowing?
• Should an SLP check how I swallow?
• How should I use my inhaler or oxygen around meals?
• What would make meals less tiring for me?
• Could a dietitian help if I am eating less?

When to get help

Get checked soon if you notice any of these. A doctor or SLP can look at what is going on.

You know your own body best. Bring what you notice to your care team, and decide together.

• Coughing or choking when you eat or drink.
• Food or pills that feel stuck.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Pneumonia or chest infections, especially if they come back.