What is a GERD cough? It's a hacking cough that does not produce mucus (a dry cough). It's also a chronic cough, meaning it has not shown improvement in eight weeks. It's generally worse at night.
Patients who present with classic GERD symptoms and cough tend to have GERD-related cough. Nighttime coughs or coughing after meals are signs associated with reflux-induced cough. Similarly, it is easier to point to GERD as a potential etiology when patients display a history of GERD, heartburn, or regurgitation.
There are several symptoms of GERD cough, including coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, and chest congestion. The cough may be dry or accompanied by thick phlegm. In some cases, GERD cough may be mistaken for a cold or the flu.
It is thought that it takes approximately 3 months for true GERD-related cough to improve because the nerves involved in the cough reflex take time to return to normal function.
It's a hacking cough that does not produce mucus (a dry cough). It's also a chronic cough, meaning it has not shown improvement in eight weeks. It's generally worse at night. Sometimes, this may be mistaken for coughs caused by other problems such as allergies or postnasal drip.
It increases the clearance of lower esophageal acid and nonacid refluxed contents and hence inhibits the lower esophageal stimulation induced cough.
The first is the most simple and suggests that the cough is caused as a reflex of the body triggered by stomach acid rising into the esophagus. The cough in this instance is merely an effect of this acid moving up into somewhere it shouldn't be and the body trying to expel it.
The acid can cause throat irritation, postnasal drip and hoarseness, as well as recurrent cough, chest congestion and lung inflammation leading to asthma and/or bronchitis/ pneumonia.
In some cases, though, the post-nasal drip may be a symptom associated with a more serious condition, like a structural abnormality in your nose or a medication side effect. GERD, or acid reflux, is one such example. You can treat post-nasal drip from GERD but still need to treat the underlying condition.
A persistent cough, throat clearing or hoarse voice may result from GERD. Salivation and digestive discomfort. Excessive salivation, gas and bloating also can be symptoms. Regurgitation.
A chronic cough could be a sign of GERD. If you have GERD, you're also likely to have other symptoms like heartburn, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, and bad breath. You can prevent acid reflux with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Lifestyle changes can also help.
Difficulty swallowing. Painful swallowing. Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus, also known as food impaction. Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating.
Instead Of Coughing, Try Forcefully Breathing Out
So instead of coughing, try to breathe out of your nose forcefully. That will not only get rid of the mucus that has built up in your throat but will also give you the relieving sensation of an unblocked throat and nose.
1ndividuals who have significant nighttime GERD tend to have increased extraesophageal symptoms such as regurgitation compared to individuals with daytime GERD. 1ndividuals with nighttime GERD may wake up more often choking or coughing or with regurgitation (ie, an acid or sour taste in their mouth) at nighttime.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
Doctors may order an upper GI endoscopy to check for complications of GERD or problems other than GERD that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may order an upper GI endoscopy to help diagnose GERD.
Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach – and won't cause painful gas. Brown rice – This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling – just don't serve it fried. Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux. But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms."
Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it.
Meanwhile, certain home remedies and lifestyle changes may help you get rid of GERD for good. You can try avoiding trigger foods and lying down after eating, losing excess weight, exercising, and quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, if applicable. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to cure GERD.
The duration of GERD symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may occasionally last a few hours. In other cases, symptoms may be more frequent and persist for several days or weeks.