Coughing and GERD

Every year, millions of Americans suffer from GERD. Symptoms range in severity from mild to miserable, often characterized by a burning sensation in the throat or chest, unexplained postnasal drip, sore throat, acidic taste in the mouth and coughing.

Coughing: How and Why?

You may have noticed that when your heartburn is particularly bad, you tend to cough a lot. This is because the gas from the stomach-acid that is backing up into your esophagus is getting inhaled into your lungs. This gas is caustic and naturally, it causes irritation in the respiratory system.

How Does the Acid Get There?

At the beginning of the stomach is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When it functions normally, it opens just long enough to let food in, then stays closed to keep food and acid in the stomach where it belongs. Under certain circumstances, the LES may become relaxed or weakened, allowing stomach contents into the esophagus.

What Causes GERD?

GERD has many causes, and fortunately most of them are avoidable. Some causes involve foods like cold drinks, raw bananas, uncooked peppers and onions, refined carbohydrates and anything containing mint or its oils. GERD is also strongly associated with certain habits like unresolved negative feelings, overeating and the consumption of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Even certain medications may cause heartburn. Sometimes when a person suffers from chronic GERD it may be the result of a hiatal hernia or morbid obesity. If you’re extremely overweight and suffering from serious GERD, losing weight may alleviate your symptoms.