answersLogoWhite

0

You have two different pipes--one to the stomach, one to the lungs. It's bad for food to go into the lungs, so when you breathe, the opening to the stomach closes. When you swallow, the opening to the lungs closes. Of course, when you swallow, you often swallow small amounts of air (hence, burps), but that won't cause as many problems as when you get foods or liquids in your lungs (what we often call "swallowing the wrong way"--it causes discomfort and coughing as the lungs try to expel the food or liquid).

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

JudyJudy
Simplicity is my specialty.
Chat with Judy
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross
BlakeBlake
As your older brother, I've been where you are—maybe not exactly, but close enough.
Chat with Blake
More answers

The epiglottis, a flap of tissue in your throat, prevents food or liquids from entering your airway when you swallow by covering your windpipe. This is to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and air goes down the trachea. Trying to breathe while swallowing can lead to choking because the airway is not protected by the epiglottis during that brief moment.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

11mo ago
User Avatar

you can't breathe and swallow at the same time because it is not humanly possible and you might gag and feel a little hard to breathe. try and see if it is and report back.

achy

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
User Avatar

b,lbh;/;lfnobtfyt/9mo;n

User Avatar

sydney seco

Lvl 2
4y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why can't you breathe and swallow at the same time?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences