Acid reflux is well-known for causing both heartburn and discomfort, however, it can also lead to a persistent cough. Understanding the connection between acid reflux and coughing is a must when it comes to managing your symptoms as effectively as possible. Let’s go over how acid reflux leads to coughing, what reflux cough sounds like, ways to calm this condition, and information on how long it might last.
Could Acid Reflux Be Causing My Coughing?
Determining whether your cough is caused by acid reflux can be challenging. Coughing can result from numerous health conditions, so it’s essential to pay attention to the nature of your coughing. There are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate when acid reflux is the cause of your cough.
For one, a cough caused by acid reflux often occurs after meals or when you’re lying down flat. If you notice your cough worsens during these times, you could be experiencing acid reflux-induced coughing.
Further, if you experience other symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn, regurgitation, or a sour taste in your mouth in addition to your coughing, this may suggest that acid reflux is the cause.
A cough lasting more than a few weeks, especially when other causes have been ruled out, might be related to acid reflux. This is particularly true if the cough is accompanied by a sore throat or hoarseness.
Finally, if your cough improves with acid reflux treatments, such as antacids or lifestyle changes, it may confirm that acid reflux is contributing to your symptoms.
To accurately diagnose the cause of your cough, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms effectively.
What Does a Reflux Cough Sound Like?
A cough caused by acid reflux can be distinctive in the way it feels as well as the way it sounds. For example, acid reflux cough tends to be dry and persistent. This type of coughing may not produce mucus or phlegm, unlike coughing that stems from infections or allergies.
Reflux coughing is also usually triggered by the irritation in the throat that stomach acid can cause. It can sound harsh and cause a tickling sensation in the throat, similar to coughs caused by irritation from dust or smoke. Many of us remember the horse-like coughs we’ve had when sick during childhood, which is quite similar to what acid reflux coughs sound like.
Coughing from acid reflux might be more pronounced at night when lying down, as gravity can make it easier for acid to reach the throat.
If you’re unsure about the nature of your cough, a healthcare provider can help determine whether it’s related to acid reflux or another condition.
How Do You Calm an Acid Reflux Cough?
Managing a cough caused by acid reflux will require you to address the underlying issue and soothe the effects it has had on your throat. A few simple steps you can take to calm an acid reflux cough include the following:
- Elevate Your Head: Sleep with your head elevated by propping up the head of your bed. This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods and drinks that trigger your acid reflux. Common culprits include spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Large meals can exacerbate acid reflux. Eating smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water can help neutralize stomach acid and soothe the throat. Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with meals, though, as this can increase stomach pressure.
- Use Over-the-Counter Remedies: Antacids or medications designed to reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers, can help alleviate both acid reflux and the associated cough.
- Gargle with Salt Water: Gargling with salt water can help soothe an irritated throat and reduce coughing.
- Avoid Lying Down Right After Eating: Wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down. This allows your stomach to digest the food and reduces the risk of acid reflux.
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments are not effective, consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend prescription medications or further evaluation to manage your acid reflux and the associated cough.
How Long Can a Reflux Cough Last?
There’s no exact timeline for acid reflux and the cough it often causes, as the duration of this condition can vary depending on several factors.
To start, a reflux-induced cough can persist for as long as your acid reflux is not being managed. Chronic acid reflux can lead to a chronic cough, and to stop both, intervention may be needed.
With appropriate treatment, such as dietary adjustments and medications, the cough should improve within a few weeks. If the cough persists despite treatment, further evaluation may be necessary.
In addition, though, the duration of a reflux cough can vary based on individual health conditions. This includes both the presence of other contributing factors and how well your acid reflux is being controlled. If another health condition is contributing to your cough alongside your acid reflux, the cough may persist as long as the issue continues without care.
In general, a cough related to acid reflux should improve with effective management of the reflux. If the cough persists for an extended period or worsens, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out other potential causes and receive appropriate treatment.
So, Can Acid Reflux Cause Coughing?
Acid reflux can certainly cause coughing, which often results from irritation of the throat by stomach acid. Determining whether your cough is related to acid reflux involves careful consideration. Monitor the timing of the cough, associated symptoms, and response to treatments. A reflux cough is typically dry and persistent. Fortunately, though, it can often be managed through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medications. If you experience a persistent cough or have concerns about your symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
If you’ve been struggling with acid reflux and coughing, reach out to Arizona Premier Surgery. Our team can evaluate your condition and determine the best course of action for your care.
SOURCES
https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/coughing
https://www.raleighcapitolent.com/blog/stop-gerd-cough
https://palmettoentallergy.com/how-to-stop-a-gerd-cough/
https://arizonapremiersurgery.com/2024/07/22/how-long-does-acid-reflux-last/
https://arizonapremiersurgery.com/2024/06/13/drinking-water-to-help-with-acid-reflux/
