Chronic Cough Linked to Heartburn
In a new review of research from the Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery at the UK’s Bradford Royal Infirmary, medical doctors have confirmed their clinical observations that one of the two most prevalent causes for chronic coughing comes from gastroesophageal reflux, also called acid reflux or GERD.
The research reviewed clinical research dating back into the 1990s that has consistently found a correlation between GERD and chronic coughs. This is also consistent with research finding that asthma is also linked to GERD.
The research was published in the International Journal of Otolaryngology. The researchers also found (expected) correlations between chronic coughing and post-nasal drip syndrome. They determined that many patients with chronic coughing are being misdiagnosed because the doctor may not realize the link between acid reflux and coughing.
Ear Nose Throat clinics, the researchers stated, are now better prepared for finding these associations among patients. “Better diagnostic modalities, noninvasive tests, and high technology radiological and endoscopic innovations have made diagnosis of these difficult-to-treat patients relatively easier.”
The critical question now, of course, is what causes this association between GERD and chronic coughing. Are stomach acids really leaking into the lungs?
This mystery is resolved in the breakthrough book, Heartburn Solved: How to Reverse Acid Reflux and GERD Naturally
Sylvester DC, Karkos PD, Vaughan C, Johnston J, Dwivedi RC, Atkinson H, Kortequee S. Chronic cough, reflux, postnasal drip syndrome, and the otolaryngologist. Int J Otolaryngol. 2012;2012:564852.