I had this problem several years ago and was also having problems with being hoarse so my primary doctor order a speech therapists for me. She worked with me for 6 weeks. It helped me a lot with both the swallowing and hoarseness. She really cautioned me to concentrate when I was eating paying close attention to my swallowing. She worked with a lot of people with stage 4 copd like me. I still have to watch myself when I am eating so that I swallow correctly. I was also having a problem of not swallowing correctly so I would get choked. I hope you can get some help soon.

I don't think your swallowing issues have anything to do with COPD. You need to talk with your doc and see a good speech therapist who can evaluate your swallowing problems and help determine a treatment plan. This could be quite serious so don't dink around. Get an appointment ASAP.

Two days ago a speech pathologist visited me for an assessment. When asked the question if the inability to swallow is a direct side effect of COPD, she replied no, but there is a definite correlation between COPD and swallowing problems. With COPD this has to do with trying to swallow when there is the smallest amount of air that has not completely been exhaled. So going forward, when my throat closes up & I can't swallow, I take a breath counting to 3 and exhale, as blowing through a straw, to the count of 6. After 1 or 2 times, this works. Swallowing pills is difficult, so applesauce is good to keep on hand. Plus eating more slowly, etc
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PS: there are many diseases, & conditions that relate to the inability to swallow but COPD is not the cause.
Thank you for all your input and experiences. With knowledge and understanding we can cope with almost anything.

Thank you all for your posts. It helps tremendously to know your're not the only one have this difficulty. I have a nurse visit me once a month and last Thursday, I mentioned this to him. He has arranged for a speech therapist to visit me so I should be able to find some answers and I'll post them here. I'm making a note of all your comments especially in relation to COPD and the use of steroids in our medication. Again thanks for responding.

I find them to be very useful.....have a nice Breathing day....