You’ve probably heard of heartburn or acid reflux. That burning sensation after a heavy meal? Classic GERD. But what if your symptoms go beyond the stomach — into your chest, throat, or even lungs? Can GERD really cause a lingering cough, trigger asthma, or leave your throat feeling sore all the time?
Let’s break it down and find out.
How Does GERD Trigger a Chronic Cough?
Ever had a cough that just wouldn’t quit — no fever, no cold, just… cough? It might not be your lungs at fault. It could be your stomach.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) happens when acid escapes your stomach and creeps up your oesophagus. Sometimes, that acid doesn’t stop there. It irritates your throat and airways, triggering a reflexive cough.
What’s even more frustrating? Some people with GERD don’t even feel the typical “burn.” They have what’s called “silent reflux”, where the cough is the only clue.
So next time someone says, “It’s just a dry throat,” you might ask: What if it’s acid instead?
GERD and Asthma: A Two-Way Relationship?
It’s a bit like the chicken and the egg — which came first: GERD or asthma?
Research suggests GERD can worsen asthma symptoms by allowing acid to irritate the airways, making them more sensitive and prone to constriction. Imagine acid sneaking into your lungs during sleep — your body reacts with wheezing and breathlessness.
But here’s the twist: asthma itself can make GERD worse. How? The pressure changes in your chest during an asthma attack might loosen the valve that keeps stomach acid down.
So if you’re treating asthma but still struggling, it’s worth asking: Could reflux be part of the problem?
The Link Between Acid Reflux and Sore Throat
You wake up, throat on fire. Swallowing feels like sandpaper. No cold, no flu… just irritation. What gives?
This might be a sign of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) — often dubbed “silent reflux.” Unlike typical GERD, LPR sends acid all the way up to your voice box, irritating your throat, vocal cords, and even your sinuses.
Common signs:
- Frequent throat clearing
- Hoarseness
- Feeling like something’s stuck in your throat
And yet, no heartburn.
Could your sore throat be more about your stomach than a viral infection? It’s a question worth asking — especially if it keeps happening.
Nighttime Reflux: Why Symptoms Are Worse When You Lie Down
You’ve had dinner, brushed your teeth, and slipped under the covers… only to find yourself coughing, gasping, or clearing your throat. Why?
Gravity is your friend when you’re upright — it keeps acid where it belongs. But the moment you lie flat, it becomes much easier for stomach contents to backtrack.
If your symptoms hit hardest at night, try this:
- Raise the head of your bed by 6–8 inches
- Avoid eating 2–3 hours before bed
- Sleep on your left side (it reduces reflux!)
Sometimes, a simple change in sleep habits makes a world of difference. Could your bedtime routine be silently fueling your symptoms?
What Is LPR (Silent Reflux), and How Is It Different from GERD?
Think of GERD and LPR(Laryngopharyngeal reflux) as cousins — related, but not quite the same.
GERD mainly affects the oesophagus and causes heartburn.
LPR targets your throat and voice box, often without heartburn.
People with LPR often see ENT doctors first — complaining of:
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness
- Post-nasal drip
It’s underdiagnosed because it doesn’t look like “classic reflux.” Which raises the question: Are you treating your sore throat and cough the wrong way?
How Doctors Diagnose GERD-Related Respiratory Symptoms
When a cough or sore throat lingers, most people think infection. But when symptoms persist, doctors dig deeper.
Diagnostic tools might include:
- 24-hour pH monitoring: Measures acid levels in the oesophagus
- Laryngoscopy: Looks for signs of inflammation near the vocal cords
- Impedance testing: Detects non-acid reflux episodes
Sometimes, a trial of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is used to see if symptoms improve — a bit like detective work.
So if tests for asthma or sinus issues come back clear, maybe it’s time to ask: Is reflux the missing piece of the puzzle?
Best Treatments for GERD-Induced Cough, Asthma, or Throat Symptoms
When GERD goes beyond the gut, managing it requires more than just popping antacids.
Lifestyle tweaks make a big impact:
- Lose a bit of weight (extra belly fat = more pressure on your stomach)
- Eat smaller meals, more slowly
- Avoid trigger foods (spicy, greasy, or acidic)
Medications include:
- PPIs (like omeprazole or esomeprazole)
- H2 blockers (ranitidine was one, but now off the market in many places)
- Antacids for quick relief
In more stubborn cases, surgery (like fundoplication) may be an option. But for many, simple changes can work wonders. Is it time to rethink your daily habits?
Foods That Can Trigger Both GERD and Asthma-Like Symptoms
Your plate might be making you cough.
Certain foods are known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter — that little valve that keeps acid where it belongs. When it relaxes too much, acid slips up.
Top offenders:
- Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, pineapple)
- Tomatoes
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Peppermint
- Fatty and fried foods
For some, dairy may also be a trigger, especially if lactose intolerant. It’s all about trial and error. Keep a food diary — you might be surprised. What if one tiny change to your meals could quiet your cough?
References
- “GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment”, Cleveland Clinic, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7280-gerd
- “Gastroesophageal Reflux and Chronic Cough”, American College of Chest Physicians, 2016. https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(15)00309-1/fulltext
- “Silent Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment”, Healthline, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/silent-reflux
- “Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)”, American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2021. https://www.entnet.org/resource/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr/
- “Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Complex Relationship”, National Library of Medicine, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5395226/