What is the Relationship Between Coughing and the Stomach?

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The connection between the stomach and coughing is usually not understood by the layman. After all, the stomach is in the abdomen and the coughing is a reaction of the lungs in the chest – two separate parts of the body. However, there is a close relationship and it is associated with what is known as acid reflux.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a common condition that most people experience at some time or another in the form of sharp pain in the lower chest area. It is commonly referred to as heartburn. It often happens after overindulging in rich food and is caused by stomach acid flowing back up the food pipe. The acid causes a burning sensation and coughing.

While an occasional attack of acid reflux is normal, it can turn into a serious problem in some cases. This is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A person with GERD will typically experience the pain and discomfort of acid reflux at least twice a week. Additional symptoms of GERD can include wheezing, difficulty in swallowing, belching, and a persistent cough.

Relation Between Coughing and Stomach

When the stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, they irritate the oesophagus and cause cough. This condition is known as GERD.
When GERD gets to the chronic stage, reflux of stomach contents will happen at least twice a week.
Chronic cough is often the result of GERD.

GERD induced cough will often have the following symptoms:

Coughing happens usually in the night hours or after eating a heavy meal.
Lying down induces cough.
Smoking causes cough but when non-smokers experience chronic coughs, it might be GERD.
Chest X-ray is normal but coughing continues.
When GERD manifests as a chronic cough alone without the other symptoms related to heartburn, its diagnosis becomes difficult.

Diagnosis

Because coughing could be due to a large number of factors, identifying GERD as the cause requires that specialized medical tests be conducted. Among them are the use of endoscopy or a measurement of the pH levels in the food pipe which, will show if acid reflux is the cause. Lifestyle evaluation is also used to determine if GERD is the cause. This includes factors like:

Being overweight
Smoking
Consuming foods that can increase the symptoms of GERD such as – alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits, garlic, fried and/or fatty foods chocolate, spicy foods and so on.

Also Read: The top 6 reasons for Chronic Cough

Treatment for Acid Reflux

Treating acid reflux and the coughing it causes requires both medications as prescribed by a doctor as well as lifestyle modifications. Typically consuming antacids to control the reflux, foaming agents to reduce the amount of stomach acid present and prescription medications are what a doctor will prescribe, although this will depend on the case specifics.

Lifestyle changes can be very effective in controlling or, in some cases, even stopping acid reflux and GERD. These include:

Identifying foods that increase acid reflux and stopping their consumption.
Not lying down for at least 2 hours after a meal.
Eating smaller meals but increasing the number of meals in a day.
Weight reduction.
Stopping smoking.
Raising the head of the bed to about eight inches higher than the foot. The bed must be at an incline so that gravity can work against the reflux. Using extra pillows will only raise the head and will not work.
Wearing clothes that are loose around the waist so there is no pressure on the stomach.

In extreme cases, surgical options may be tried.

If you suffer from acid reflux or the symptoms of GERD, consult a doctor without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes stomach-related coughing?

Stomach-related coughing is often caused by acid reflux, where stomach acid irritates the esophagus, leading to coughing.

How can I tell if my cough is from GERD?

GERD-related coughing often occurs after eating or at night, worsens when lying down, and persists despite a normal chest X-ray.

Can lifestyle changes help GERD-related coughing?

Yes, lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods, not lying down after meals, and quitting smoking can help reduce GERD symptoms, including coughing.

What tests diagnose GERD-related coughing?

Tests like endoscopy and pH level measurements in the esophagus can diagnose GERD-related coughing, along with evaluating symptoms and lifestyle factors.

What treats GERD-induced coughing?

Treatment involves medications like antacids and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Consult a doctor for personalized care.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

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Originally published March 12, 2018, updated March 4, 2021