There are times you may experience an annoying cough that just won’t go away even though you’re not sick. The one that seems to get worse after meals or when you lie down at night
Well, it might not be a cold or allergies. It could actually be something called reflux cough; a sneaky symptom of acid reflux that often goes unnoticed.
What Exactly Is Reflux Cough?
Reflux cough happens when stomach acid flows backward into your oesophagus. Sometimes acid escape upward from the stomach into the throat which irritates your throat or voice box, it can trigger a dry, nagging cough that doesn’t seem to go away.
Here’s the tricky part: you don’t always feel heartburn with reflux cough. That’s why doctors sometimes call it “silent reflux.”
Common Signs You Might Have a Reflux Cough
If you’ve been coughing for weeks and can’t figure out why, these clues might sound familiar:
•A dry cough that lingers especially after eating or at night
•A sore throat that won’t heal
•Feeling like there’s something stuck in your throat
•Constant throat clearing
•A hoarse voice
•Coughing when lying down, especially after dinner
If this sounds like you, acid reflux might be the hidden culprit.
What Triggers Reflux Cough
Certain habits and foods can make reflux worse. You might notice flare-ups when you:
•Eat large or late-night meals
•Drink coffee, soda or alcohol
•Eat spicy, fried or fatty foods
•Lie down too soon after eating
•Smoke or are around cigarette smoke
•Are pregnant (thanks to those hormonal and physical changes)
How to Get Relief from Reflux Cough
Reflux cough can usually be managed with a few lifestyle tweaks and if needed, medication can be administered.
Here’s what helps:
1. Watch what and when you eat
•Avoid spicy, greasy or acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus
•Skip caffeine and chocolate
•Eat smaller meals instead of large ones.
•Don’t lie down for at least 2–3 hours after eating.
2. Adjust your sleeping habits
•Elevate the head of your bed by about 6–8 inches.
•Sleep on your left side, it helps reduce reflux episodes.
3. Maintain a healthy weight
Extra pressure on your stomach (especially during pregnancy) can push acid upward, so gentle movement and balanced eating can make a difference.
4. Try Medication (If Needed)
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you may need to see your doctor
When to See a Doctor
It’s time to get checked out if your cough:
•Lasts more than 8 weeks
•Keeps you up at night
•Comes with trouble swallowing, chest pain or unexplained weight loss
A doctor can help confirm if reflux is to blame and recommend the treatment plan for you.
A cough that lingers can be frustrating especially when it feels like you’ve tried everything. But sometimes, the answer lies not in your lungs, but in your stomach.
By recognizing the signs of reflux cough and making simple lifestyle changes, you can soothe your throat, sleep better and finally get some relief.
