What should you know about LPR cough?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux may irritate sensitive tissues without causing classic heartburn. People may notice throat clearing, a lump sensation, sour taste, excess mucus or cough after meals, when bending or when lying down. These features can also occur with a common cold, allergic rhinitis, asthma, acute bronchitis or another cause, so the pattern does not confirm reflux. A cough lasting for a prolonged period deserves an assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Keep meals moderate, avoid lying down soon after eating, and notice whether particular foods, alcohol or late meals trigger symptoms. Gentle voice use and adequate fluids may reduce throat irritation. A clinician may review medicines and consider reflux treatment after checking other causes. Do not stop a prescribed medicine or rely on repeated throat clearing, which can further irritate the larynx, without advice.

Arrange medical review for a cough that persists, disrupts sleep, causes vomiting or comes with wheeze, fever or breathlessness. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, coughing blood, blue lips, chest pain or confusion. Rapid worsening needs assessment even when reflux seems plausible.

Ask whether the timing of your cough fits reflux, which alternative causes should be checked, whether any medicine could contribute, and how long to try a treatment before review.