Coughing Acid Reflux: What it is and How to Treat it
Monday, September 14th, 2009If you experience persistent, dry cough, cough acid reflux is a possible cause of the problem. This could be a surprise to you, because they can not experience all the classic symptoms of acid reflux disease, including heartburn, regurgitation, hoarseness, sore throat, bad breath, and a feeling of food stuck in the throat. If you experience few if any of these symptoms, you may be wondering how come your cough may be related to acid reflux. First, it might be useful to understand the causes and mechanisms of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when food and stomach acid are regurgitated from the stomach back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach, and no muscle where the esophagus meets the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. The work of the LES is to serve as a one-way valve that allows food into the stomach and then closes so that food can not return into the esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when the LES is not doing its job. Many factors can cause malfunction of SLE. Either occasionally or frequently, overeating can block the LES to close completely. Other conditions can cause the LES to open at the wrong time. Smoking, excessive caffeine, and certain medications can also contribute to acid reflux. Cause is not always a clear identification of people who suffer from acid reflux. The cough and acid reflux go hand in hand, because stomach acid is released from the stomach can travel through the esophagus into the throat and larynx. In some cases the esophagus may be able to cope with this assault acidic, while the throat and larynx can not. This is the irritation of acid can lead to a persistent cough. In rare cases, stomach acid can cause the development of another type of cough. Acid reflux cough can cause stomach acid to move through the throat and lungs. This can result in a dry cough, persistent acid reflux that is associated with respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This can sometimes be confused with asthma, and can also exacerbate symptoms in people already diagnosed with asthma. The best way to avoid acid reflux cough is to prevent acid reflux occurs. This can be done to avoid overeating, and avoiding foods that commonly cause acid reflux. Some foods to avoid is anything too fat, soft drinks, chocolate, tomato sauce, garlic and onions, spicy foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits, for example. In general, avoid any food that is considered a trigger for heartburn typical, then acid reflux cough will be a non-issue. Eat small meals often, and the loose-fitting clothing can also help relieve acid reflux cough. These strategies help to avoid putting too much pressure on the LES that can cause that does not close completely. Acid reflux cough can also be controlled through the use of prescription medications that work by either neutralize stomach acid, or by decreasing the production of stomach acid. If the modification of diet and nonprescription medicines do not work to relieve dry cough, you should see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan long term. Acid reflux cough can be treated before developing into a more serious condition.