Coughing may occur due to various reasons. It may be a general reflux action of our body to clear the throat, or it may occur due to a common infection or an environmental trigger. If the cough occurs due to any infection, it will go away in a few days after taking medicines. But if the cough persists for a week or longer, then it is important to find the root cause.
In addition to infections, recurrent coughing may occur due to the following reasons:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Allergy and irritation due to dust, smoke, pollen, etc.
- Some nasal sprays with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors) used to treat high BP
- Post-nasal drip
- Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
Among all the above-mentioned reasons, acid reflux has become the most common reason for recurrent cough. Both acid reflux and GERD have related symptoms, but there is a difference between these two conditions. Acid reflux is a temporary condition in which stomach acid flows in the opposite direction towards the esophagus and throat. This causes a feeling of burning, irritation, and further coughing. On the other hand, GERD is a chronic condition where the backflow of stomach acid occurs frequently and constantly. It does not go away even when you stop eating spicy foods. Though any type of food itself does not cause acid reflux or GERD, foods contribute to these problems. GERD can cause the stomach contents to go beyond the esophagus and reach the upper regions like the larynx, oral cavity, and even the lungs. This can cause inflammation & erosion of tissues and recurrent coughing.
Causes of acid reflux and GERD:
- Hiatus hernia
- Obesity
- Smoking and alcohol
- Regularly eating spicy and heavy foods
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications (NSAIDs, Ca++ channel blockers, etc.) that can relax lower esophageal sphincter
- Certain birth conditions (esophageal atresia, hiatus hernia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, etc.) that can affect the lower esophageal sphincter
- Age >50 years
- BMI >30
- Lower physical activity
- Certain surgeries in abdominal or chest regions
Patients with moderate symptoms can be easily managed through lifestyle changes, but patients with constant difficulty are managed through a therapeutic approach like medicines and surgery.
If you have experienced acid reflux or GERD, I would like to hear from you what is your feeling regarding the cause of reflux.
MBH/PS