Can Acid Reflux Cause a Cough?

Most people think a cough comes from a cold, allergies, or the flu. But if your cough won’t go away, acid reflux could be the reason.

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid moves up into your food pipe (esophagus). That acid can irritate your throat and make you cough. Some people never have heartburn, so they don’t realize acid reflux is causing the problem.

The good news is that treatment can often help relieve your cough and protect your throat and esophagus.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus instead of staying in your stomach.

A muscle at the bottom of the esophagus normally keeps acid where it belongs. When that muscle becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time, acid can move upward.

If this happens often, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Can Acid Reflux Cause a Chronic Cough?

Yes. Acid reflux is a common cause of a cough that lasts for weeks or months.

It can cause coughing in two ways:

• Acid irritates your throat
  Stomach acid can reach your throat and voice box. This irritation makes your body cough.
• Acid triggers a cough reflex
  Sometimes acid stays lower in the esophagus but still irritates nearby nerves. These nerves send signals that make you cough, even if you never feel heartburn.
  This is often called silent reflux (LPR).

Symptoms of an Acid Reflux Cough

Your cough may be caused by acid reflux if you have:

• A dry cough that lasts more than 8 weeks
• Frequent throat clearing
• Hoarse or raspy voice
• Sore throat that doesn’t go away
• A feeling like something is stuck in your throat
• A sour or bitter taste in your mouth
• Coughing after eating
• Coughing that gets worse at night or when lying down
• Heartburn or indigestion (not everyone has these symptoms)

Who Is More Likely to Get Acid Reflux?

Your risk is higher if you:

• Are overweight
• Smoke
• Are pregnant
• Eat large meals
• Eat spicy, fried, or fatty foods often
• Drink a lot of coffee or alcohol
• Eat right before bed
• Have a hiatal hernia
• Take certain medicines

Is It Acid Reflux or Something Else?

A long-lasting cough can have many causes.

Possible Cause	Common Symptoms
Acid reflux (GERD)	Dry cough, throat clearing, hoarseness, worse after eating or lying down
Asthma	Wheezing, shortness of breath
Allergies or postnasal drip	Runny nose, mucus in throat
Cold or infection	Fever, congestion, mucus
Smoking	Ongoing morning cough

Your healthcare provider can help find the cause.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Acid Reflux?

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

You may need:

• A physical exam
• A trial of acid reflux medicine
• An upper endoscopy
• A test that measures acid in your esophagus (pH monitoring)

Sometimes more tests are needed to rule out asthma or other lung problems.

How Is an Acid Reflux Cough Treated?

Treatment usually includes lifestyle changes and medicine.

Lifestyle changes

Many people feel better by:

• Eating smaller meals
• Waiting at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down after eating
• Sleeping with the head of the bed raised
• Losing weight if needed
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol
• Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms

Medicines

Your provider may recommend:

• Antacids
• H2 blockers
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Take medicine only as directed.

Surgery

A small number of people with severe GERD may need surgery if medicine does not help.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Make an appointment if your cough:

• Lasts longer than 8 weeks
• Keeps coming back
• Gets worse after eating
• Wakes you up at night
• Happens with trouble swallowing
• Comes with unexplained weight loss

Get emergency care right away if you have:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Coughing up blood

Can Acid Reflux Cause Other Problems?

Without treatment, GERD can lead to:

• Inflammation of the esophagus
• Sores in the esophagus
• Narrowing of the esophagus
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Damage to your voice box
• Tooth enamel damage
• Poor sleep

Getting treatment early can help prevent these problems.

Tips to Help Prevent Acid Reflux

You may be able to reduce symptoms by:

• Eating slowly
• Avoiding large meals
• Staying upright after eating
• Sleeping with your head raised
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Learning which foods trigger your symptoms
• Being active most days of the week

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Get Care at Grady

If you have a cough that won’t go away, frequent throat clearing, heartburn, or other signs of acid reflux, don’t wait to get checked. Finding the cause early can help relieve your symptoms and prevent more serious problems.

Call (404) 616-1000 or schedule an appointment online. Grady’s primary care providers can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose acid reflux or other conditions, and connect you with the care you need.