Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have had a tickle in my throat for a week, I have been coughing to the point where I feel like I am choking.I now have a bruise on my stomach from coughing so much should I be concerned about the bruise everytime I cough I feel like there is a knife stabbing me where the bruise is
[|AI|]  Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion you are having HERD (gastroesophageal Reflux disease) mostly. Uncontrolled HERD is known case of chronic cough. So your cough seems mostly due to HERD. It is because of laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Due to this, the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms like bruise in stomach, retrosternal burning pain and sore throat, coughing. Etc. So we need to control HERD first to relieve your coughing. So try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.1. Avoid stress and anxiety.2. Avoid hot and spicy food.3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.4. Start proton pump inhibitor.5. Go for walk after meals.6. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux.