Is Coughing A Symptom Of Acid Reflux?

In some cases, coughing can be a symptom of acid reflux. While regurgitation and heartburn are the commonly associated symptoms of acid reflux, a recurring cough might also be a sign of acid reflux. Coughing at night, during or after a meal, or coughing without asthma are all possible indicators of acid reflux. 

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus. Discomfort occurs in the area around the lower chest due to the acidity. Acid reflux can also be known as GERD if symptoms occur more than twice in one week. Acid reflux usually comes with a variety of irritating symptoms that can affect your daily life, such as:

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Regurgitation
• Burping
• Heartburn

Can acid reflux cause a cough?

While heartburn and indigestion are the most common symptoms of acid reflux, acid reflux can cause a cough. Chronic coughing without a diagnosed cause can be a sign of acid reflux, even if you’re not experiencing any of the other common acid reflux symptoms. If you’re experiencing a persistent cough, as well as any other acid reflux symptoms like nausea or burping, then it might be a sign that you have acid reflux. 

Signs your cough is caused by acid reflux

A cough can be a symptom of a variety of different conditions, not just acid reflux. If you’re concerned that your chronic cough might be an indicator of acid reflux occurring in your body, carefully consider these signs:

• Coughing occurs late at night 
• Coughing occurs directly following a meal
• Coughing continues to occur even in the absence of other symptoms, such as post-nasal drip
• Coughing occurs without having another possible origin, such as smoking or taking new medication

If these conditions apply to you, it might be possible that you’re suffering from acid reflux! 

How to stop a GERD cough

Certain medicines and procedures can assist with the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD coughing. Oftentimes, simply making a change in your lifestyle or diet can be enough to stop a GERD cough. If making changes in your lifestyle or diet doesn’t help reduce your acid reflux symptoms, then talking to a doctor is highly recommended. 

Lifestyle changes

Making changes in your lifestyle is a great way to begin eliminating your acid reflux cough. Some possible changes include:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Quitting smoking
• Exercising and losing weight
• Raising the head of your bed around half a foot
• Avoiding lying down after a meal

Dietary changes

If you suffer from acid reflux, it might be a good idea to make some dietary changes in your life. Make every effort to seek out food low in acid and avoid foods that might make your symptoms worse. Some foods to avoid include:

• Garlic
• Spicy food
• Fried foods
• Alcoholic beverages
• Mint
• Caffeinated drinks, such as soda or coffee
• Onions

There are also a variety of foods that can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Many of these dietary options are filling, healthy, and a good source of nutrients. Some great options include:

• Whole grain bread
• Potatoes
• Green vegetables
• Brown rice
• Oatmeal
• Lean meat
• Fish
• Ginger

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

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