Bangkok: A persistent dry cough, often mistaken for a cold by those around you, without fever or runny nose, can lead to questioning of your health. In reality, a cough that doesn't go away may not always be due to a respiratory illness. It could be a sign of laryngeal acid reflux, a common condition in working adults, especially those with irregular meal times, stress, lack of sleep, or heavy coffee consumption.
According to Thai News Agency, Laryngeal reflux disease (LRR) is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the throat and larynx, causing irritation and resulting in chronic coughing, sore throat, or hoarseness. This differs from typical acid reflux, which usually presents with heartburn or sour belching. Repeated contact between stomach acid and the mucous membrane of the larynx causes inflammation, leading many patients to frequently clear their throat, feel like they have phlegm stuck in their throat, or experience severe coughing at night, disrupting their sleep.
The symptoms indicating acid reflux affecting the larynx include a chronic dry cough, especially after large meals or before bedtime, sore throat, frequent throat clearing, hoarseness, and symptoms such as sour burping and heartburn. These symptoms often become pronounced when lying down or reclining.
The main causes of acid reflux flare-ups stem from daily lifestyle habits, especially among working adults who lead fast-paced lives, skip meals, or eat irregularly. Risky behaviors include consuming spicy, sour, or strongly flavored foods, drinking caffeinated beverages, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and lack of sleep. Overweight or obesity also increases the risk.
Preventing laryngeal acid reflux involves making simple lifestyle changes such as eating meals on time, reducing consumption of acid-stimulating drinks, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, managing stress, and controlling weight.
For managing symptoms, frequent sipping of water, avoiding lying down after meals, taking antacids, and reducing trigger foods and drinks are recommended. However, if symptoms persist, consulting a doctor for a proper diagnosis is advised, as chronic coughing can have multiple causes.
Chronic coughing shouldn't be taken lightly, as it may be a warning sign of an underlying health problem, especially "acid reflux into the larynx," which is common among modern-day working adults. Early lifestyle changes, including diet, rest, and stress management, can help reduce the risk and prevent long-term chronic symptoms.