There are various causes of a chronic cough including infections and allergies. But here is another cause that you may not be aware of-gastroesophageal reflux disease or gerd. Most people are aware of the usual symptoms of gerd, heartburn, belching, and a feeling of discomfort behind the sternum. But a chronic cough is also a frequent symptom.
Some reports show that gerd is the third most common cause of a chronic cough in children.
Gerd is also common in adults. Apparently the end of the esophagus, the feeding tube that goes into the stomach, is stimulated in people with gerd and this causes the coughing. Usually patients with a chronic cough due to other causes, such as asthma, have other lung symptoms including shortness of breath and they usually don't have many symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Diagnostic studies can be done that can usually diagnose gerd and with proper treatment the chronic cough can be eliminated. All Rights Reserved.