GERD is one of the most common reasons why you might experience a persistent cough. If you have a GERD-induced cough, you are less likely to experience other symptoms, such as heartburn. Your chronic cough may be caused by GERD if you: Cough mostly at night Cough mostly after a meal Cough frequently while you are lying down Cough even when your chest X-rays are normal Do not have other common causes of coughing, such as smoking or taking medications If you suspect that you are experiencing GERD cough, you should make an appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis.