Can acid reflux cause coughing?

Some people develop LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux). The most common symptoms of LPR are a sore throat and coughing accompanied by a “lump” that doesn’t go away. If you believe you’re experiencing LPR, always consult a doctor.

Can stress cause acid reflux?

Stress and anxiety can affect the body’s production of prostaglandin, which is a chemical used in the healing and repairing process throughout the body. Prostaglandin is essential to combating the damage caused by acid reflux.

When do I need to worry?

Acid reflux is very common and often settles with lifestyle changes and medication. However, there are certain symptoms related to acid reflux which mean you should always seek medical help. These include:Acid reflux where lifestyle changes and medication from your pharmacy aren’t helpingHeartburn symptoms most days for three weeks or morePersistent acid reflux on half or more daysBeing off your food, losing weight without meaning to or frequent vomitingVomiting up blood or black ‘coffee grounds’Severe pain on swallowing or a feeling of food sticking in your gullet.

Your doctor or pharmacist can usually make a diagnosis of acid reflux based on your symptoms. They may recommend over-the counter treatments (alginates or antacids for example). If these help, it usually confirms the diagnosis.

Testing and investigation

If your symptoms are severe or aren’t settling, or if your doctor is otherwise concerned, they may refer you for tests.Gastroscopy is the most common test to look at your stomach and see if there are any problems. This procedure takes about 15 minutes and should not be painful (although it can be uncomfortable). Your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. You can also choose to have a sedative, if you prefer – general anaesthetic is not needed.The endoscopist passes a thin, flexible telescope through your throat, down your oesophagus into your stomach. They will look for inflammation of the oesophagus lining and any other abnormality (including excluding a stomach ulcer). If necessary, they can take biopsies or check the acidity level in your oesophagus.Barium swallow/barium meal is less commonly used. Heartburn and Acid reflux can be a symptom of Achalasia. Achalasia is a rare disorder of the food pipe (oesophagus), which can make it difficult to swallow food and drink. For the Barium Swallow, you drink a liquid containing barium, which shows up on X-ray as it passes through your oesophagus, your stomach and the first part of your small bowel. This shows up hiatus hernias and narrowing of the oesophagus.Chest X-ray or a heart tracing may be recommended if your doctor wants to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Experiencing symptoms every week? We’re here to help. Guardium can be taken for up to 24 hour relief. Guardium is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), which contains esomeprazole that works by blocking acid pumps in your stomach.Pair it with one of our other products, such as Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action for fast effective relief while Guardium takes effect. Do not use Guardium for more than 14 days or Gaviscon for more than 7 Days.

Suffering from heartburn regularly? Dealing with a burning feeling in your chest after eating? You might have what’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.GORD presents symptoms indistinguishable from heartburn and indigestion, but occurs at a frequency that is chronic.In such a case, you should consult with a doctor immediately.The good news is that GORD can be effectively treated over time, and tweaks to the food and drinks you consume can limit the discomfort.

Guide to acid reflux symptoms, causes, treatment

Causes &
Symptoms

Acid reflux most commonly occurs just before bedtime, when you’re lying down, largely because it doesn't take as much force for stomach acid to travel up the chest and throat.

Stomach acid helps us break down food. But as we age, our bodies are less adapted to keeping the acid from travelling up the body. That’s why you’re more likely to experience it later in life, though it can be triggered in young people too.

The symptoms of acid reflux include:

A burning sensation in the chest or throat after eating
A hot sour or salty tasting fluid in the back of your throat, accompanied by difficulty swallowing
Feeling sick
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Burping

What causes acid reflux?

Fried and greasy foods
Eating too much
Eating too quickly
Fatty meats and dairy products
Alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy food, which can all cause the lower oesophageal sphincter to open.

Being overweight means there’s an increased pressure on your stomach, forcing open your oesophageal sphincter valve after eating.

But a large contributor? Stress, which can make symptoms worse. That’s because stress depletes our supply of prostaglandins, which protect our stomachs from acid. Try to get at least eight hours of restful sleep a night and cut out stressors from your life where possible.

FAQs

: Some people develop LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux). The most common symptoms of LPR are a sore throat and coughing accompanied by a “lump” that doesn’t go away. If you believe you’re experiencing LPR, always consult a doctor.
: Stress and anxiety can affect the body’s production of prostaglandin, which is a chemical used in the healing and repairing process throughout the body. Prostaglandin is essential to combating the damage caused by acid reflux.
: Acid reflux is very common and often settles with lifestyle changes and medication. However, there are certain symptoms related to acid reflux which mean you should always seek medical help. These include:
Acid reflux where lifestyle changes and medication from your pharmacy aren’t helping
Heartburn symptoms most days for three weeks or more
Persistent acid reflux on half or more days
Being off your food, losing weight without meaning to or frequent vomiting
Vomiting up blood or black ‘coffee grounds’
Severe pain on swallowing or a feeling of food sticking in your gullet.

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How is acid reflux diagnosed?

: Your doctor or pharmacist can usually make a diagnosis of acid reflux based on your symptoms. They may recommend over-the counter treatments (alginates or antacids for example). If these help, it usually confirms the diagnosis.
: If your symptoms are severe or aren’t settling, or if your doctor is otherwise concerned, they may refer you for tests.
Gastroscopy is the most common test to look at your stomach and see if there are any problems. This procedure takes about 15 minutes and should not be painful (although it can be uncomfortable). Your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. You can also choose to have a sedative, if you prefer – general anaesthetic is not needed.
The endoscopist passes a thin, flexible telescope through your throat, down your oesophagus into your stomach. They will look for inflammation of the oesophagus lining and any other abnormality (including excluding a stomach ulcer). If necessary, they can take biopsies or check the acidity level in your oesophagus.
Barium swallow/barium meal is less commonly used. Heartburn and Acid reflux can be a symptom of Achalasia. Achalasia is a rare disorder of the food pipe (oesophagus), which can make it difficult to swallow food and drink. For the Barium Swallow, you drink a liquid containing barium, which shows up on X-ray as it passes through your oesophagus, your stomach and the first part of your small bowel. This shows up hiatus hernias and narrowing of the oesophagus.
Chest X-ray or a heart tracing may be recommended if your doctor wants to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Treatment

We know how disruptive acid reflux can be, which is why our range is designed to help ease discomfort. Our products create a protective barrier that helps prevent acid - and other aggressors like pepsin and bile - from moving up the oesophagus.

The viscous formulation at the heart of our range (Gaviscon Original, Advance and Double Action) is sodium alginate, while these products also contain antacids, which turn excess acid into water and other neutral substances.

Learn more about the two main ways to improve acid reflux by reading about how lifestyle changes and medication can help.

Dosage: Take 10-20 ml (Gaviscon Liquid) or 5-10 ml (Gaviscon Advance) after meals and at bedtime. Consider one teaspoon to equal 5 ml.

All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If symptoms are severe or prolonged you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label.

Products we recommend

Gaviscon Original Liquid

Gaviscon Original Liquid

Forms a protective barrier

Relieves burning in the chest

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Lasts up to 2x longer than antacids

View Gaviscon Original Liquid

Gaviscon Advance Tablets

Gaviscon Advance Tablets

Suitable for pregnant mothers ‡

Extra strength formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Long lasting relief of acid reflux (up to 4 hours)

View Gaviscon Advance Tablets

Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Sachets

Gaviscon Double Action Tablets

Dual-action formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Gets to work in seconds

Lasts up to 4 hours

View Gaviscon Double Action Sachets

Frequent Sufferers

Repeatedly suffering from acid reflux? Don’t let it put your life on pause.

If your symptoms are more severe or more frequent, you may be advised to consider an acid-suppressing medication. Your pharmacist can advise on both forms of treatment and which would be best for you.

There are two groups of acid-suppressing medications available – proton pump inhibitors and histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers). Both reduce the amount of acid made by the stomach. They do not start to work as quickly as antacids or alginates, but their effect can last longer.

Products we recommend

Guardium Tablets

Protective treatment for frequent sufferers

Treats heartburn and acid reflux

Lasts up to 24 hours

2-3 days of treatment might be required for symptom relief

View Guardium Tablets

Gaviscon Advance Liquid

Gaviscon Advance Liquid

Suitable for pregnant mothers ‡

Extra strength formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Long lasting relief of acid reflux (up to 4 hours)

View Gaviscon Advance Liquid

How is acid reflux diagnosed?

: Experiencing symptoms every week? We’re here to help. Guardium can be taken for up to 24 hour relief. Guardium is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), which contains esomeprazole that works by blocking acid pumps in your stomach.
Pair it with one of our other products, such as Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action for fast effective relief while Guardium takes effect. Do not use Guardium for more than 14 days or Gaviscon for more than 7 Days.
: Suffering from heartburn regularly? Dealing with a burning feeling in your chest after eating? You might have what’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.
GORD presents symptoms indistinguishable from heartburn and indigestion, but occurs at a frequency that is chronic.
In such a case, you should consult with a doctor immediately.
The good news is that GORD can be effectively treated over time, and tweaks to the food and drinks you consume can limit the discomfort.

Acid Reflux

Causes and Symptoms

Treatment

Frequent Sufferers

Causes &
Symptoms

The symptoms of acid reflux include:

What causes acid reflux?

FAQs

How is acid reflux diagnosed?

Treatment