Cough Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Gastroesophageal reflux cough

Hello, doctor.
I had a cold around the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, and after recovering, I developed a mild cough that has persisted until now.
I often experience an itchy throat and occasionally cough.
This has been going on for quite some time.
Two weeks ago, I visited a pulmonologist and had a chest X-ray, which came back normal.
I also took allergy and cough medications, which provided some improvement, but once I stopped the medication, I felt the mild cough returning.
Could this be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? I do not cough at night while sleeping; it mostly happens after eating or when I talk.
However, I do not feel any acid reflux or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Do you think I need to undergo an endoscopy? Thank you.

Xi Lu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/14

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

A trial of a strong gastric medication (self-paid) for 1-2 weeks can be conducted, followed by discontinuation of the medication to compare symptom changes and determine correlation.
If necessary, an endoscopy can be performed for confirmation.

Reply Date: 2023/11/14

More Info

Coughing related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can indeed be a perplexing issue, especially when it persists after a respiratory illness like a cold. In your case, it appears that you have experienced a lingering cough following a cold, which has raised concerns about its potential connection to GERD. Let's delve into this further.

Firstly, it is important to understand that GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes cough. The cough associated with GERD is often termed "reflux cough" and can occur due to irritation of the throat and airways caused by acid reflux. This irritation can lead to a chronic cough, which may not always be accompanied by the classic symptoms of heartburn or acid regurgitation.

In your situation, the fact that your cough is triggered primarily after eating or speaking suggests that it could be related to reflux. When you eat, the stomach expands, and if there is any reflux, it can irritate the esophagus and throat, leading to a cough reflex. The absence of cough during sleep is also notable; many individuals with GERD experience coughing more during the day when they are upright and active, as opposed to lying down when gravity helps keep stomach contents in place.

While you have not experienced typical symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn or discomfort, it is still possible to have a cough related to reflux. The fact that you have seen some improvement with allergy and cough medications suggests that there may be an allergic component or post-nasal drip contributing to your symptoms. However, if the cough persists after stopping the medication, it might indicate that the underlying issue, possibly related to reflux, has not been fully addressed.

Regarding the need for an endoscopy (gastroscopy), it is generally recommended when there are significant symptoms of GERD, such as persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or if there are concerns about complications like esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. However, given your persistent cough and the fact that it has not resolved with standard treatments, it may be worthwhile to discuss the possibility of an endoscopy with your gastroenterologist. This procedure can help visualize the esophagus and stomach, assess for any inflammation or damage, and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

In addition to considering an endoscopy, lifestyle modifications can also be beneficial in managing GERD symptoms. These may include:
1. Dietary Changes: Avoiding foods that trigger reflux, such as spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods.

2. Eating Habits: Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals, and avoiding eating close to bedtime.

3. Posture: Staying upright for at least two to three hours after eating and elevating the head of the bed can help reduce nighttime symptoms.

4. Weight Management: If applicable, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the stomach and lower the risk of reflux.

In conclusion, while your cough may be related to GERD, it is essential to evaluate all potential causes, including allergies or other respiratory issues. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking further evaluation from a gastroenterologist would be prudent. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and determine the best course of action, which may include diagnostic testing such as an endoscopy.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms: Is It Acid Reflux?

Hello, I would like to ask about my mother, who has been experiencing a persistent cough that sounds like clearing her throat for the past three years. This year, it seems to have worsened. Could this be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? She enjoys drinking coffe...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Based on the symptoms, there is a possibility of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the possibility of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issue cannot be ruled out. Both can be treated in outpatient clinics. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department...

Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep

Hello, I woke up suddenly around 3 AM with a headache, and then I started sweating profusely. After that, I vomited, possibly due to stomach acid irritating my throat, which now feels like there is something stuck in it. Since that day, my throat has been very itchy, and I feel t...

Dr. Wu Yuwei reply Internal Medicine
It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist, as gastroesophageal reflux can sometimes cause coughing symptoms.

Understanding Acid Reflux: Can It Cause Coughing During Pregnancy?

Since I became pregnant, I have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux. Recently, I haven't had a cold, but sometimes I do cough. I came across a report stating that gastroesophageal reflux can also cause coughing. I'm not sure if that's true; I only know that p...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, pregnancy can lead to increased abdominal pressure, making it more likely to experience gastroesophageal reflux. Some individuals may have acid reflux that can aspirate into the trachea, resulting in coughing; therefore, coughing can also be a symptom of gastroesophageal r...

Chronic Cough: Is Gastroesophageal Reflux the Hidden Cause?

Hello: I have had a long-term chronic cough for as long as I can remember. I have seen many ENT specialists, and they all said it was due to post-nasal drip, but the medications they prescribed have not resolved the issue. Should I consider getting an endoscopy to check for gastr...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If chronic cough is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an upper endoscopy or medication treatment can be performed to achieve improvement and confirm the diagnosis. If effective medications have been used without noticeable results, it may not necessarily be...