GERD Cough Explained: What Triggers It and How to Ease It

If you’ve ever coughed after a big meal or felt a tickle in your throat when heartburn hits, you’re probably dealing with a GERD cough. It’s not a rare oddity – many people with acid reflux notice that the irritation travels up the throat and makes them cough, especially at night.

Here’s the quick rundown: stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, irritating the lining. When that acid reaches the back of the throat, nerves fire off a cough reflex to protect the airway. The result? A dry, stubborn cough that doesn’t always go away with a cough syrup.

Spotting a GERD‑Related Cough

Typical signs include:

• Dry cough that worsens after meals or when lying down.
• A sensation of a lump in the throat (called globus).
• Heartburn or sour taste in the mouth.
• Bad breath and occasional hoarseness.

If you notice these together, think about reflux as the cause before reaching for a cold remedy.

Simple Lifestyle Tweaks That Make a Difference

Changing a few daily habits can cut down the acid that triggers the cough:

1. Eat smaller meals. Large portions stretch the stomach and push acid upward.
2. Stay upright after eating. Wait at least two to three hours before lying down or sleeping.
3. Raise the head of your bed. A 6‑inch lift lets gravity keep acid down while you snooze.
4. Watch trigger foods. Spicy dishes, citrus, tomato sauce, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol often flare reflux.
5. Quit smoking. Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, making leaks easier.

These steps are cheap, easy, and often enough to quiet that pesky cough.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, over‑the‑counter options like generic Prilosec (omeprazole) can lower stomach acid production. Take it as directed, usually before breakfast, and give it a few days to work. Remember, it’s not a quick fix for a cough; it reduces the underlying acid that causes the irritation.

Prescription meds such as H2 blockers (ranitidine, famotidine) or stronger proton‑pump inhibitors may be needed if OTC products don’t help. Your doctor can also check for other issues like asthma or allergies that might be mixing with reflux symptoms.

When to see a professional? If your cough lasts more than three weeks, wakes you up at night, or comes with weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting blood, schedule a visit. A simple test called a pH probe can confirm reflux, and a throat exam can rule out other causes.

Bottom line: a GERD cough is the body’s way of telling you that acid is bothering your throat. A few meal tweaks, a raised pillow, and the right meds can usually calm it down. Keep an eye on the patterns, try the low‑cost changes first, and don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if the cough sticks around. You deserve a night of quiet sleep, not a relentless throat tickle.