Acid Reflux and Persistent Coughing: Identifying, Diagnosing, and Managing the Connection

Acid Reflux and Persistent Coughing: Identifying, Diagnosing, and Managing the Connection

Living with a Persistent Cough

A persistent cough that lingers for more than 8 weeks could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Common culprits include respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis, and certain medications like ACE inhibitors. In some cases, serious conditions like lung cancer, tuberculosis, or heart failure might also be to blame [1][2][3][4].

The Role of Acid Reflux in Persistent Cough

Did you know that acid reflux, often associated with heartburn, can play a significant role in persistent coughing? In acid reflux, stomach acid moves upward into the food pipe, irritating the tissue lining and causing a burning sensation in the chest, commonly known as heartburn [5].

According to estimates, over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, with some reports suggesting that more than 15 million experience it daily [5]. However, the worrying part is that chronic heartburn can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which, if left untreated, can cause ulcers and even permanent damage to the esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer [5].

Your Daily Grind and Persistent Cough

Chronic coughing is rarely a direct symptom of acid reflux, but research suggests that GERD may be a factor in at least some cases of persistent coughing [5]. The link between the two lies in the irritation caused by stomach acid as it moves up the food pipe or even into the voice box or throat, leading to symptoms like coughing, hoarseness, throat clearing, and a feeling of something being stuck in the throat [5].

How Acid Reflux Sparks a Cough

In some cases, a persistent cough could be triggered or worsened by acid reflux. There are two main explanations for this [5].

1. The first suggests that a cough occurs due to the reflexive action set off by the rising of stomach acid into the food pipe.
2. The second mechanism proposes that reflux moves above the food pipe, irritates the voice box or throat, and causes tiny droplets of stomach acid to land in the area. This type of reflux is known as laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR), and it may lead to the development of a cough as a protective mechanism against the reflux [5].

LPR - The Silent Reflux

LPR, also known as silent reflux or atypical reflux, is similar to GERD but often presents with different symptoms, such as irritation of the vocal cords and throat, leading to coughing, hoarseness, throat clearing, and the feeling of something being stuck in the throat [5]. Surprisingly, only half of those with LPR actually experience heartburn [5].

Diagnosing Persistent Cough and Acid Reflux

To diagnose GERD and an associated persistent cough, doctors will consider the individual's symptoms and take a detailed case history [5]. However, diagnosing a persistent cough in those experiencing LPR without heartburn can be more challenging [5].

Treating Persistent Cough due to Acid Reflux

Treatment for a persistent cough caused by acid reflux aims to reduce the reflux that's causing or worsening the coughing, primarily through medication [5]. Lifestyle and dietary changes, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, wearing loose clothing, quitting smoking, eating slowly, and avoiding certain foods, are also effective for those with mild to moderate symptoms [5].

Prevention is Key

By making a few simple lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers like spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, and mint, you can help prevent acid reflux and minimize the risk of a persistent cough [5]. If you're experiencing a persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, seek medical advice to rule out other possible causes [5].

[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (n.d.). Chronic cough. Retrieved September 01, 2023, from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-diseases/asthma/chronic-cough[2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020, October 23). Persistent cough. Retrieved September 01, 2023, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/persistent-cough[3] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Chronic cough. Retrieved September 01, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15849-chronic-cough[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021, September 14). Chronic cough. Retrieved September 01, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20378603[5] American College of Gastroenterology. (n.d.). Heartburn. Retrieved September 01, 2023, from https://patients.gi.org/topics/heartburn/

1. Predictive analysis in the field of science suggests a link between depression and a persistent cough.
2. Chronic diseases like gerd can lead to poor sleep quality in some individuals.
3. Establishing a workplace-wellness program can help manage medical conditions like gerd and reduce the incidence of reflux symptoms.
4. Ignoring symptoms of gerd and refraining from seeking treatment can increase the risk of developing cancer in the esophagus or respiratory conditions.
5. Acid reflux is a digestive health problem commonly associated with hearing loss and other ear-related issues in some cases.
6. Supporting eye-health is essential to prevent eye conditions that can be triggered or worsened by chronic acid reflux.
7. The onset of a persistent cough can also be a symptoms of hearing impairment or other ear problems.
8. Adopting a health-and-wellness lifestyle that includes regular exercise, nutrition, skin-care, and mental-health support is recommended to prevent and manage gerd.
9. The fitness-and-exercise industry offers various therapies and treatments for people struggling with gerd and chronic acid reflux.
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11. Sexual-health issues like vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction can be associated with gerd and acid reflux, according to some studies.
12. People with autoimmune-disorders should pay particular attention to the symptoms of gerd and its potential complications.
13. Lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and environmental exposure can contribute to the development of climate-change-related health issues, including acid reflux.
14. Emotional mental-health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress can exacerbate symptoms of gerd and acid reflux.
15. Men are more likely to experience acid reflux symptoms than women, but gender-specific research has yet to be conducted.
16. Skin-care products with acidic ingredients might aggravate symptoms of gerd and acid reflux in some individuals.
17. Specialized therapies and treatments, such as dietary modification and medication, can help alleviate the discomfort associated with acid reflux during pregnancy.
18. New research on parenting suggests a connection between the parent-child bonding and the frequency of coughing in children.
19. Weight-management programs that focus on healthy nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction can help alleviate symptoms of gerd and acid reflux.
20. People with cardiovascular-health issues should take extra precautions to manage their gerd and acid reflux symptoms, as heart complications can worsen both conditions.
21. The industry has seen a significant increase in investment in research and development of new treatments for chronic diseases like gerd and acid reflux.
22. Medicare coverage typically includes some medications and treatments for gerd and acid reflux, but individuals should check with their plan for specific details.
23. Some research suggests that CBD oil may help reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms in some individuals.
24. Neurological-disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease can exacerbate symptoms of gerd and acid reflux.
25. Environmental-science research has shown a correlation between air pollution and acid reflux, emphasizing the importance of reducing exposure to pollutants.
26. Financial-planning and wealth-management strategies can help individuals manage their medical expenses associated with chronic conditions like gerd and acid reflux.
27. Skin-conditions like eczema and psoriasis can be aggravated by gerd and acid reflux, and proper management of these conditions is crucial.
28. Space-and-astronomy research has revealed that living in low gravity environments, like space, can cause acid reflux and other digestive health issues.
29. Cybersecurity measures should be implemented to protect personal and sensitive health information related to gerd and acid reflux.
30. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques, can help manage symptoms of aging-related health issues like gerd and acid reflux.
31. Womens-health providers often focus on educating their patients about the relationship between gerd, acid reflux, and hormonal changes during menopause.

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