What should you know about cough due to acid reflux?

Reflux occurs when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. Small amounts can reach the throat and stimulate a cough reflex. The cough may be dry, recur after meals, worsen when lying down, or leave a sour taste, hoarse voice, throat clearing or disturbed sleep. A hiatus hernia can make reflux easier to develop, while excess weight may add pressure around the stomach. Reflux is one possible cause; a persistent cough can also relate to asthma, infection, medicines or another airway problem.

Notice whether meals, late snacks, bending or lying down bring it on. Smaller meals, remaining upright after eating and avoiding foods that clearly trigger symptoms may reduce episodes. Raising the head end of the bed can help night symptoms; stacking extra pillows may bend the body and be less useful. Avoid smoking and ask a clinician or pharmacist about suitable reflux treatment, especially if you take regular medicines. Keep a brief record of timing, food, position and associated symptoms to support an assessment.

Arrange medical review if the cough persists, repeatedly interrupts sleep, affects eating or returns despite self-care. Seek urgent help for severe chest pain or tightness, coughing blood, marked breathing difficulty, fainting, or trouble swallowing. Abdominal pain with vomiting or black stools also needs prompt assessment. A clinician may listen to your chest and consider reflux alongside other causes rather than assuming the cough has one explanation.

Could reflux explain the timing and character of my cough? Which treatment is suitable with my other medicines? Do I need assessment for asthma or another cause? What changes should prompt an earlier review?