Acid reflux cough-what is it and how to treat It

If you experience persistent dry cough, cough, acid reflux is one possible cause of the problem.  This could be a surprise to you, since you could check all the typical symptoms of this disease, which include heartburn, regurgitation, hoarseness, sore throat, bad breath and a feeling of having food stuck in his throat.  If you are experiencing few or none of these symptoms, you might ask how it is possible that your coughing might be related to acid reflux.  First, it might be useful to understand the causes and mechanisms of this disease.

This disease occurs when food and stomach acid are regurgitated stomach back through the esophagus.  The esophagus is the tube that moves from the mouth to your stomach, and there is the 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 in the stomach and then closes so that food cannot travel back into the esophagus.  Reflux occurs when the LES is not doing its job.

There are many different factors that may cause the LES malfunctions.  Occasional or frequent overeating can block from closing completely. LES  Other conditions can cause LES open at the wrong time.  Smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine and some medications can also contribute.  There is not always a clear, identifiable cause in people who suffer from this disease.

Cough and gastroesophageal reflux go hand in hand because stomach acid which is released by the stomach can travel back through the esophagus the throat and larynx.  In some cases the esophagus may be able to deal with this acidic assault, while the throat and larynx may not.  Is this acid irritation that can lead to a persistent cough.

In rare cases, stomach acid can also cause the development of another type of cough.  Acid reflux cough can cause stomach acid to move through the throat and lungs.  This can cause a dry cough, persistent acid reflux that is accompanied by respiratory disorders such as pneumonia or bronchitis.  This can sometimes be mistaken for asthma and may even exacerbate symptoms in people who have already been diagnosed with asthma.

The best way to avoid acid reflux cough is prevention.  This can be achieved by avoiding overeating and avoiding foods that commonly cause this disease.  Some foods to avoid include something too oily, soft drinks, chocolate, tomato sauces, garlic and onions, spicy foods, citrus and acidic foods such as, for example.  In general, avoid any food that is considered a typical trigger heartburn.

Eat small, frequent meals, as well as using loose clothing may also help relieve acid reflux cough.  These strategies help prevent putting too much pressure on LES which may cause fail to close entirely. Reflux cough can be controlled using over the counter medications that work by neutralizing stomach acid, both, or decreasing the production of stomach acid.

If changing diet and over the counter medications do not work to alleviate dry cough, you should see your doctor for a definite diagnosis and treatment plan for the long term. Acid reflux cough can be treated before developing into a more serious condition.