5. Chronic Cough and Asthma Symptoms: GERD’s Respiratory Reach
Most people wouldn’t naturally associate their digestive system with respiratory symptoms. However, in GERD’s context, there’s a well-documented link between the two. The constant reflux can not only irritate the esophagus but also reach the larynx and lungs, leading to symptoms like chronic cough, wheezing, or even asthma-like signs.
The refluxed acid can aspirate into the airways, causing irritation. This reaction prompts the airways to constrict, leading to wheezing and coughing. For those already diagnosed with asthma, GERD can exacerbate their symptoms, turning a mild condition much more severe.
Not everyone with respiratory symptoms from GERD experiences heartburn. This phenomenon, termed “silent reflux” or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), can be deceptive. It means an individual could be suffering from the adverse impacts of GERD without the typical symptoms, making diagnosis a tad tricky. (5)
