Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsTreatmentWhen to Call a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Treatment
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Acid refluxcan cause coughing when stomach acid irritates the throat or is breathed in.
Studies show that a long-term cough can be a sign ofgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).When you have GERD, acid from your stomach backs up into youresophagus. Your esophagus is sometimes also called your food pipe.
This article looks at GERD symptoms, including chronic cough. It also reviews some potential treatments for GERD.
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Signs of a GERD Cough
If your cough is related to GERD, you will likely have other symptoms, too. These can include:
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
How to Treat a GERD Cough
There are a few ways to reduce your acid reflux symptoms. In most cases, you can prevent acid reflux before it starts. When you have fewer acid reflux episodes, there is less chance of damage to your esophagus.
2:04Avoid These Things If You Have GERD
2:04
Avoid These Things If You Have GERD
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help improve GERD and a related cough:
Medication
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications. Over-the-counter remedies can also help.
There are also alternative homeopathic remedies for easing heartburn. Discuss these with your healthcare provider if you’re thinking of trying them.
The Different Types of GERD Medication and When They’re Used
There are a few other conditions that can cause a GERD-like cough. Your GERD may also interfere with your quality of life. It is important to see your healthcare provider if:
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Summary
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. Eat smaller meals and avoid food and drink that trigger acid reflux. Don’t lie down right after eating and try to sleep with your head elevated a few inches. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight.
How GERD Is Treated
GERD Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kahrilas PJ, Smith JA, Dicpinigaitis PV.A causal relationship between cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been established: a pro/con debate.Lung. 2014;192(1):39-46. doi:10.1007/s00408-013-9528-7Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.Francis DO.Chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016 Jan;12(1):64-6Additional ReadingNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kahrilas PJ, Smith JA, Dicpinigaitis PV.A causal relationship between cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been established: a pro/con debate.Lung. 2014;192(1):39-46. doi:10.1007/s00408-013-9528-7Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.Francis DO.Chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016 Jan;12(1):64-6Additional ReadingNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kahrilas PJ, Smith JA, Dicpinigaitis PV.A causal relationship between cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been established: a pro/con debate.Lung. 2014;192(1):39-46. doi:10.1007/s00408-013-9528-7Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.Francis DO.Chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016 Jan;12(1):64-6
Kahrilas PJ, Smith JA, Dicpinigaitis PV.A causal relationship between cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been established: a pro/con debate.Lung. 2014;192(1):39-46. doi:10.1007/s00408-013-9528-7
Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214-218.
Francis DO.Chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016 Jan;12(1):64-6
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.
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