8. Chronic Cough: The Throat’s Endless Battle
It starts as a tickle, a mild irritation at the back of your throat. Maybe you think it’s allergies or perhaps the aftermath of a cold. Yet this cough is persistent and becomes your unsolicited companion courtesy of your hiatal hernia. No matter the lozenges, the honey teas, or the over-the-counter cough suppressants, this cough lingers like an unwelcome guest who overstays their welcome.
In a weird twist, the cough can be both dry and phlegmy. It’s as though your hernia can’t decide which type of irritation to bestow upon you. One moment, your coughs are dry, hacking endeavors that leave your throat feeling raw. The next, it’s as if you’re dredging up something from the depths, leaving you disgusted and self-conscious.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cold that lasts a week and goes away. No, this is the kind of cough that can last weeks or even months. It has the audacity to flare up at the most inopportune times, say, during an important meeting or a quiet moment in the cinema. It’s not just annoying; it can become socially crippling.
Don’t think it ends there; the timing of the cough can add another layer of complexity. For some women, it’s nocturnal, acting up as soon as they lie down. Others might find that eating or drinking triggers it, turning each mealtime into a cacophony of hacks and coughs. (8)
