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Rachel V Thomas

Persistent Cough Could Be A Sign of Acid Reflux, Not Just A Cold, Say Experts

A <span>cough</span> that lingers for weeks is often dismissed as a stubborn cold, allergy, or <span>lung infection</span>. However, ENT specialists warned that in some cases, the real cause may be <span>acid reflux</span>, a condition that can affect the throat even without the typical symptom of <span>heartburn</span>.

Doctors told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that recognizing the signs early can help patients receive the right treatment and prevent long-term complications.

<h2>When Does Acid Reflux Trigger a Chronic Cough?</h2>

According to Dr. Nishit Shah, ENT/Otorhinolaryngologist at Bombay Hospital, acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (<span>GERD</span>), does not always present with chest burning.

"Sometimes people with reflux do not feel the usual symptom of heartburn in their chest. Instead, the acid from their stomach goes up into their throat, irritates it, which can cause a dry cough that will not go away, a hoarse voice, or a feeling that something is stuck in their throat," Dr. Shah told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

He advised that if a cough lasts for more than eight weeks and does not improve with usual medicines, acid reflux should be considered as a possible cause.

"It is very important to know what is causing your cough because if you just treat the cough, the acid reflux can still be hurting your throat," Dr. Shah said.

<h2>Not Every Throat Symptom Is Acidity</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/lets-fix-our-food-india-launches-new-policy-to-fight-childhood-obesity-boost-nutrition-article-155158665" data-type="tilCustomLink">'Let's Fix Our Food': India Launches New Policy To Fight Childhood Obesity, Boost Nutrition</a>

However, not every throat symptom should be dismissed as acidity.

Dr. Alok Aggarwal, Chairperson, ENT, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said silent reflux often presents as intermittent throat irritation, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, or occasional voice changes.

"These symptoms are often judged as acidity by the common man, and people start self-medicating with antacids and even ayurvedic medicines. Less do they know that this can be a symptom of some underlying ENT disease," he said.

He explained that laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) occurs when food or semi-digested food enters the pharynx, irritating its lining.

"It causes symptoms such as throat irritation, burning sensation, pain in throat, nasal irritation, globus sensation and change in voice," Dr. Aggarwal told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

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While LPRD is commonly diagnosed, Dr. Aggarwal cautioned that similar symptoms may also be caused by allergic rhino-pharyngitis, chronic rhino-sinusitis, vocal nodules or polyps, laryngeal leukoplakia, and candida infection.

"Though this comes as the most common diagnosis in clinical practice, it often overshadows some very serious conditions which mimic the symptoms, and only after a thorough ENT examination can the exact diagnosis be made," he said.

He added that these conditions can be effectively diagnosed through thorough history-taking, clinical examination, and endoscopic examination.

"As doctors, we need to educate our patients regarding the disease physiology and the differentials it carries before establishing any diagnosis. A timely and adequate intervention with planned treatment can effectively cure the patient in most cases," Dr. Aggarwal said.

<h2>Lifestyle Changes May Help Control Symptoms</h2>

Dr. Shah recommended avoiding heavy meals, especially at night, limiting fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and sleeping with the head elevated to help manage acid reflux.

"If people know that acid reflux can cause a cough, they can get a diagnosis sooner, get the right treatment and finally feel better," he added.

Dr. Aggarwal stressed the importance of timely medical evaluation.

"Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid unnecessary medications and avoid missing out on serious complications. A stitch in time saves nine," he said.

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A cough that lingers for weeks is often dismissed as a stubborn cold, allergy, or lung infection. However, ENT specialists warned that in some cases, the real cause may be acid reflux, a condition that can affect the throat even without the typical symptom of heartburn.Doctors told HealthandMe that recognizing the signs early can help patients receive the right treatment and prevent long-term complications.When Does Acid Reflux Trigger a Chronic Cough?According to Dr. Nishit Shah, ENT/Otorhinolaryngologist at Bombay Hospital, acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), does not always present with chest burning."Sometimes people with reflux do not feel the usual symptom of heartburn in their chest. Instead, the acid from their stomach goes up into their throat, irritates it, which can cause a dry cough that will not go away, a hoarse voice, or a feeling that something is stuck in their throat," Dr. Shah told HealthandMe.He advised that if a cough lasts for more than eight weeks and does not improve with usual medicines, acid reflux should be considered as a possible cause."It is very important to know what is causing your cough because if you just treat the cough, the acid reflux can still be hurting your throat," Dr. Shah said.Not Every Throat Symptom Is AcidityAlso read: 'Let's Fix Our Food': India Launches New Policy To Fight Childhood Obesity, Boost NutritionHowever, not every throat symptom should be dismissed as acidity.Dr. Alok Aggarwal, Chairperson, ENT, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said silent reflux often presents as intermittent throat irritation, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, or occasional voice changes."These symptoms are often judged as acidity by the common man, and people start self-medicating with antacids and even ayurvedic medicines. Less do they know that this can be a symptom of some underlying ENT disease," he said.He explained that laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) occurs when food or semi-digested food enters the pharynx, irritating its lining."It causes symptoms such as throat irritation, burning sensation, pain in throat, nasal irritation, globus sensation and change in voice," Dr. Aggarwal told HealthandMe.ENT Evaluation Is EssentialRead More: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Sleeps 3 Hours A Night: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? While LPRD is commonly diagnosed, Dr. Aggarwal cautioned that similar symptoms may also be caused by allergic rhino-pharyngitis, chronic rhino-sinusitis, vocal nodules or polyps, laryngeal leukoplakia, and candida infection."Though this comes as the most common diagnosis in clinical practice, it often overshadows some very serious conditions which mimic the symptoms, and only after a thorough ENT examination can the exact diagnosis be made," he said.He added that these conditions can be effectively diagnosed through thorough history-taking, clinical examination, and endoscopic examination."As doctors, we need to educate our patients regarding the disease physiology and the differentials it carries before establishing any diagnosis. A timely and adequate intervention with planned treatment can effectively cure the patient in most cases," Dr. Aggarwal said.Lifestyle Changes May Help Control SymptomsDr. Shah recommended avoiding heavy meals, especially at night, limiting fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and sleeping with the head elevated to help manage acid reflux."If people know that acid reflux can cause a cough, they can get a diagnosis sooner, get the right treatment and finally feel better," he added.Dr. Aggarwal stressed the importance of timely medical evaluation."Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid unnecessary medications and avoid missing out on serious complications. A stitch in time saves nine," he said.

persistent cough could be a sign of acid reflux, not just a cold, say experts

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