Why do I gag so much?

Question

I've been gagging quite a bit lately. I've been to the doctor twice and he's but me on antibiotic and zyrtec-D for sinus infection. Has anyone ever had a sinus infection that has caused them to gag? Does anyone know of any other medical conditions that gagging might be a symptom of? I've had 2 episodes of throwing up from the gagging but I'm not nauseous. It scares me when the gagging starts. I don't know if it's anxiety or just sinus drainage going down my throat.

Answer 1

probably just the drainage, are you having trouble swallowing? if its hard to swallow liquid or food, you may need to get a swallow study done to see that the stuff is going where its supposed to and that things are working right.

Answer 2

I agree with getting checked for upper GI problems! The antibitoic may be upsetting your stomach and causing a temproary acid reflux problem, but you should find out for sure.

If you have an eppisode of disphagia (the snobby word for "yikes I can't swallow!") Tuck your chin into your chest and turn your head to the side-so almost like you're trying to tuck your chin into one side of your collarbone. Then swallow.

I had disphagia when I developed GERDS. It is really scary, so I can see how you might think anxiety is causing it! I got the advice above from a friend who is a speech / language pathologist (SLP's also do swalllowing disorder therapy...)

Answer 3

Hiatal Hernia can cause your gag reflex to go batty, and I think the doctor covered his tracks by giving your Zyrtec, but I suspect post nasal drip is to blame for your problem.

Answer 4

I would also consider being checkd for reflux disease or reflux problems.

The sinus situation could be the problem but its worth finding out if its something else, now. I have had the same exact problems and it was traced back to reflux.

(stomach acid backing up into the esophagus)

Answer 5

gagging could be a brain issue. You might should see a neurologist. I have arnold chiari and gagging is one symptom.