The Link Between GERD and Coughing

Coughing is a reflex reaction that helps you breathe easier by expelling harmful substances from the throat or lungs. This natural reaction aims to protect, prevent, and heal the throat or lungs.

Though you may expect a cough from a respiratory issue like a cold or asthma, you may not associate coughing with acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates, our experts specialize in treating coughs, especially the chronic kind. Unfortunately, many people may overlook GERD as a possible cause of their ongoing cough. 

We want to explain the link between GERD and coughing and what you can do about it. 

GERD and coughing connection

GERD is a chronic digestive condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach reflux up into the esophagus. GERD not only causes heartburn, but also irritates the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation that can lead to esophagitis.

Though it’s not entirely clear how GERD leads to chronic coughing, researchers have come up with three possible causes:

Reflux theory

The reflux theory suggests that the refluxing causes microaspiration of the contents of the stomach into the throat and lungs, triggering the cough.

Reflex theory

The reflex theory suggests that GERD makes your cough reflex more sensitive due to inflammation in the airway. 

Esophageal dysmotility

Esophageal dysmotility is impairment of the normal movement of the esophagus. This condition affects the clearance of the acid from the esophagus, increasing the risk of exposure to the throat and lungs and resulting in the cough.  

Is it GERD or something else?

Coughing is normal and associated with many health issues. In most cases, coughing is short-term and resolves within a week or so. However, any cough that lasts more than eight weeks is chronic and requires a medical evaluation.

We conduct comprehensive evaluations for patients who have chronic coughing to find the root cause of the cough. We review symptoms and medical history and perform diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis. 

Asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may also cause a chronic cough. If we suspect GERD, we may refer you to a gastroenterologist for an evaluation.  

Treating GERD to relieve coughing

Treating GERD is key to relieving your chronic cough. GERD treatment includes lifestyle changes such as:

• Eating smaller meals
• Avoiding spicy and acidic foods
• Managing a healthy weight
• Not eating too close to bedtime

You may also benefit from medications to help control the reflux, such as antacids or proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) to reduce stomach acid production. 

If your chronic cough is due to allergies, asthma, or something else, our experts make sure you get the care you need to get relief from your symptoms. Chronic coughing affects sleep and quality of life. 

Call one of our Tampa offices — South Tampa or Carrollwood — or our office in Brandon, Florida, to schedule a consultation today. Or, book an appointment online. Let us help you find relief from your ongoing cough.