The causes of chronic cough are very varied and are related to different systems.

In this article we explain what is gastroesophageal reflux.

Because the gastroesophageal reflux triggers cough?

the disease by gastroesophageal reflux It is a disease caused by the release, in the opposite direction to normal, of the contents of the stomach and gastric acid into the esophagus.

This happens because at the end of the esophagus there is a sphincter (muscular ring) that keeps it closed so that, under normal conditions, stomach juices do not leave it.

Reflux occurs when the sphincter's strength is weakened or when it relaxes at inappropriate times. Immediately after eating, the presence of the bolus of food increases pressure in the stomach. This pressure exceeds the force with which the sphincter closes, causing the stomach acid to pass into the esophagus. Because the mucosa lining the inner walls of the esophagus is not prepared for the acid, it becomes irritated and can be damaged.

Gastroesophageal reflux can cause chronic cough through direct and indirect mechanisms.

• When gastric contents ascend through the esophagus and reach the pharynx or larynx, they can be microaspirated into the respiratory tract, which irritates the mucosa and activates cough receptors.
• Acid in the esophagus can stimulate the nerve endings of the vagus nerve, which activates the cough reflex at the level of the trachea or larynx.
• Repeated exposure to acid can cause hypersensitivity of the larynx and pharynx, causing mild stimuli to trigger coughing.
• It is a cough that worsens when lying down or after meals and can coexist with other conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.

Gastroesophageal reflux is one of the possible causes of cough. If it persists for more than 8 weeks, we are dealing with a case of chronic cough.

Author: Eva Maroto

References:

1. https://www.msdmanuals.com/es/hogar/breve-informaci%C3%B3n-trastornos-digestivos/trastornos-esof%C3%A1gicos-y-de-la-degluci%C3%B3n/enfermedad-por-reflujo-gastroesof%C3%A1gico-erge?query=reflujo%20gastroesof%C3%A1gico
2. https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/asistencia/enfermedades/enfermedad-por-reflujo-gastroesofagico
3. Argüero, J; Sifrim, D. Update on the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acta Gastroenterol Latinoam 2022;52(2):135-152 Received: 11/05/2022 / Accepted: 16/06/2022 / Published online: 27/06/2022 /https://actaojs.org.ar/ojs/index.php/acta/article/view/212