Acid reflux and a dry cough

The link is more plausible when coughing follows meals, worsens on lying down, or occurs with heartburn, a sour taste, hoarseness or repeated throat clearing. Asthma, infection, allergies, nasal drainage, smoking and some medicines can cause a similar cough.

Stomach contents moving into the oesophagus can stimulate nerves involved in the cough reflex. Material reaching higher into the throat may directly irritate sensitive tissues. Some people with reflux-related cough have little or no burning, so the timing and accompanying throat symptoms can be more informative than heartburn alone.

A cough can also increase pressure across the abdomen and provoke more reflux, creating a cycle. Because cough has many causes, improvement with reflux measures is only one part of the assessment.

Eat smaller portions, avoid lying down after meals and identify foods or drinks that repeatedly trigger your symptoms. If nighttime coughing is prominent, raise the head and upper torso with a suitable wedge rather than stacking pillows under the neck. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.

Sip water to soothe a dry throat and take any prescribed reflux treatment exactly as directed. Check with a pharmacist before combining antacids, cough products and regular medicines. Keep notes on meals, body position, cough episodes, wheeze, nasal symptoms and medication use.

Seek urgent care if breathing becomes difficult, the cough rapidly worsens, you cough up blood, feel very unwell, or develop significant chest pain. Call emergency services for severe chest pressure, blue or grey lips, confusion or collapse.

Arrange a clinical review for a cough that persists, keeps returning, interrupts sleep or comes with wheezing, fever, unexplained weight loss, difficult swallowing, food sticking or ongoing hoarseness. Assessment may include the lungs, nose, throat, medicines and reflux pattern rather than focusing on one cause.

Ask which features support reflux and whether asthma, allergy, nasal drainage, infection or a medicine needs consideration. Clarify how long to try reflux treatment, what improvement should look like, and whether lung or digestive tests are appropriate if coughing continues.