Acid reflux can cause many unpleasant symptoms, including coughing. Experts explain this by saying that the lower esophageal sphincter is responsible for preventing mucus and acid from flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus. When this sphincter weakens, it makes it easier for acid to flow back into the esophagus.
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When this condition occurs, the patient will experience some symptoms in the digestive tract, oral cavity, throat or respiratory tract, leading to symptoms including a burning sensation in the chest, heartburn or acid reflux after eating.
In addition, patients will sometimes feel chest pain, difficulty swallowing, frequent coughing or sore throat, laryngitis. These symptoms will become worse when you lie down, after eating a full meal or eating spicy, hot, greasy foods, etc.
What to do to know if you have a cough due to acid reflux?
There are many causes of cough, but if the cough is chronic, one of the first causes to consider is gastroesophageal reflux. At this point, you need to see a doctor.
The doctor will perform a gastroscopy to diagnose whether or not you have gastric reflux.
Or through endoscopic images of the ear, nose and throat, in addition to assessing lesions in the ear, nose and throat system, it is also possible to indirectly assess whether there is gastric reflux into the esophagus.
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7 symptoms of cough caused by gastroesophageal reflux
- Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, spreading to the throat, accompanied by a sour, bitter feeling in the mouth.
- Sore throat: Burning sensation, swelling in the throat.
- Hoarseness: Voice is hoarse, difficult to speak.
- Wheezing: Feeling of difficulty breathing, wheezing, especially at night.
- Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the throat mucosa, causing sore, swollen throat.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing.
- Pneumonia: Lung infection, causing cough, fever, difficulty breathing,...
If you experience the above symptoms, see your doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.
5 tips to prevent acid reflux causing cough
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Eat healthy: Eat many small meals a day, avoid overeating. Avoid eating spicy, hot, greasy, fried foods. Avoid eating highly acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes, etc.
Reduce stress: Stress can increase stomach acid secretion, thereby increasing the risk of reflux. Find ways to manage stress and pressure, such as regular exercise, meditation, yoga, etc.
Don't smoke: Smoking can damage the lining of the esophagus, increasing the risk of reflux.
Weight control: Obesity can increase pressure on the stomach, thereby increasing the risk of reflux.
Elevate your head while sleeping: Elevating your head while sleeping helps reduce acid reflux into the esophagus.
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