If you have had a dry cough that just won’t go away, it may be caused by GERD Cough, which is a common, but frequently overlooked symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) you may have. At Gutcare Clinics in Bangalore, we have seen countless patients find relief with a comprehensive and paired approach combining medical treatment for their GERD as well as home remedies, under the guidance of Dr. Yuvrajsingh Gehlot (an expert in GERD).
What Is GERD Cough?
A GERD cough manifests when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and airways and stimulating a habitual cough. GERD cough is not a normal cough as seen in coughs caused by an infection, but rather a symptom of acid reflux, which requires specific care.
Causes of GERD Cough
Several factors contribute to the development of GERD cough:
- Irritation from stomach acid (Acid reflux): Acid in the stomach irritates the lining of the esophagus and throat.
- Weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES): Weakness of LES muscle means that it does not prevent acid from flowing back up from the stomach.
- Hiatal hernia: This condition may predispose to acid reflux.
- Lifestyle factors: Chronic smoking, obesity, and diet (e.g. spicy foods, fatty foods) may contribute to your GERD symptoms.
- Delayed stomach emptying: This leads to more acid being produced, thereby allowing reflux.
Symptoms of GERD Cough
Being aware of GERD specific cough symptoms can distinguish them from coughs occurring due to other reasons:
- Chronic dry cough, especially at night, or after meals
- Hoarseness or a sore throat
- Frequent throat clearing
- The sense of having a lump in the throat
- An acidic or bitter taste in your mouth
- Heartburn or some “chest discomfort ” (might not be present with GERD cough).
If you have any of these symptoms regularly, and again especially cough longer than 8 weeks, now is a time to get a medical evaluation.
Home Remedies for GERD Cough
Alongside medical treatment, certain home remedies can help soothe GERD cough and reduce acid reflux episodes. Here are some effective options:
1. Raise Your Head When Asleep
Benefits: Prevents acid from travelling back into your esophagus while you sleep.
How to Use: Keep yourself elevated with a wedge pillow or raise your bed by 6-8 inches. Do not lie flat after eating.
Precautions: Find an elevation that is comfortable so it does not hurt your neck.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Benefits: Decrease acid production and keep away reflux triggers.
How to Use: Stay away from spicy, fatty and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and chocolate. Eat more frequently, but in smaller amounts rather than volume.
Precautions: Avoid eating right before bed, at least 2-3 hours without food before bed.
3. Drink Ginger Tea
Benefits: Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect on your digestive tract.
How to Use: Drink a fresh ginger with hot water for a tea, and sip at 1-2 times per day.
Precautions: Some individuals may experience heartburn if they drink too much ginger.
4. Use Aloe Vera Juice
Benefits: Soothes the esophagus and reduces irritation.
How to use: Drink a small amount of pure aloe juice before meals will help. About 1/4 of liquid to drink.
Precautions: Make sure that you are using food-grade aloe vera juice. Don’t drink too much.
5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Benefits: Both smoking and alcohol weaken the LES and increase acid reflux.
How to Use: Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to reduce GERD symptoms and cough.
Precautions: Seek support if quitting smoking is difficult.
Treatment Options for GERD Cough
Lifestyle modifications: Diet and habits adjustments as mentioned above.
Surgery: In severe or refractory cases, procedures like fundoplication may be recommended.
Early intervention improves outcomes, preventing complications such as esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus.
Summary
Dealing with a GERD cough may be difficult, but it does not mean you cannot manage its effects. Understanding which methods of lifestyle masking and combination of effective home treatments and professional treatment options to utilize can help to gain relief to assist you in your daily life. If you suspect you have a GERD cough, speak to a professional such as Dr Yuvrajsingh Gehlot of Gutcare Clinics in Bangalore, who can help you navigate your options. Continual treatment should be received by means of professional coaching to prevent long-term complications and decrease the symptoms you are experiencing allowing you to improve your overall lifestyle.
FAQs About GERD Cough
1. What specifically causes GERD cough?
GERD cough occurs when stomach acid irritates the goiter and causes a cough which can last for longer periods of time.
2. Can GERD cough be cured with home remedies alone?
Home remedies help reduce symptoms, but medical consultation is important for a complete cure, especially if symptoms persist.
3. How does Dr. Yuvrajsingh Gehlot at Gutcare Clinics help with GERD cough?
Dr. Gehlot offers thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plans, combining medication and lifestyle advice for effective GERD cough management.
4. Are there any foods I should avoid to prevent GERD cough?
Yes, spicy, fatty, citrus, and chocolate foods often trigger acid reflux and worsen GERD cough.
5. When should I consult with a doctor about my GERD cough?
If you have a cough lasting longer than eight weeks, or you are having difficulties swallowing, experience chest pain, or are losing weight, then you should seek medical attention urgently.
