As we have mentioned on previous occasions, chronic cough is one that lasts more than 8 weeks, while acute and subacute coughs last less. There are several health problems that can be the cause of this type of cough, including: gastroesophageal refluxgic.
What is gastroesophageal reflux?
Our digestive system consists of different organs among which are the thatfago (hollow tube that connects the pharynx (throat) with the stomach. Its walls formed by muscles propel food towards the stomach through rhythmic contractions, which is known as peristalsis) and the stomach (a hollow, bean-shaped muscular organ where the digestion process begins. Food is mixed with the acids produced by its walls). Between the two is the esfinter esophaguslower logical which is responsible for preventing the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus.
Source: https://human.biodigital.com/edit?id=production/femaleAdult/female_system_anatomy_digestive_09
In gastroesophageal reflux disease, the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly, allowing stomach contents, including bile, to pass into the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain in the lower chest.
The walls of the stomach are covered with a mucous membrane that protects it from its own acids, but the esophagus does not have this lining, so when the gastric contents pass into it, they are damaged and symptoms appear. This occurs especially if the person is lying down, since when they are sitting or standing gravity helps prevent reflux backwards, and when the stomach is fuller, as occurs after finishing eating.
Eating fatty foods, carbonated and caffeinated drinks, alcohol and certain medications, as well as being overweight and smoking are factors that contribute to its appearance.
Symptom
The most obvious is a burning sensation behind the breastbone (heartburn or acid reflux) and may be accompanied by regurgitation, i.e. the contents of the stomach reach the mouth, which sometimes leads to a sore throat, a feeling of having a lump in the throat, hoarseness and/or cough. If the contents pass into the lungs, this may cause coughing and/or wheezing when breathing.
When heartburn is long-lasting, it can cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and problems in the esophagus such as inflammation (esophagitis), wounds (ulcers), narrowing, or even cancer.
Discovery
When symptoms suggest this problem, treatment can be started without performing tests, which are often reserved if the treatment does not work or if the symptoms have been present for a long time without treatment to see the consequences it may have had on the esophagus.
Endoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera through the mouth to see the condition of the inside of the esophagus. If doctors deem it necessary, they may take a tissue sample during this test for analysis (biopsy).
If the endoscopy and biopsy results are normal but symptoms suggest reflux, your doctor may order an esophageal pH test. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a sensor on the end through your nose and into the lower part of your esophagus. The tube is left in place for 24 hours to monitor esophageal acid levels and the relationship between symptoms and reflux.
Manometry can be used to see the pressure generated by the lower esophageal sphincter and helps determine whether it is functioning properly.
How can it be prevented?
To relieve the symptoms of reflux, it is advisable to sleep with the head of the bed raised by about 15 cm, but without placing pillows under the head. This facilitates the action of gravity and prevents the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid foods and medications that stimulate acid production, eat within 3 hours before bedtime, and not be overweight.
What treatments are there?
To treat gastroesophageal reflux we can take medications that reduce the production of gastric acid.
In cases where there is a narrowing of the esophagus, it can be dilated with a probe.
If cancer cells appear, they can be removed by surgery.
Surgery may be used as a treatment option in people whose symptoms are not relieved by medication or in cases where ulcers, bleeding or inflammation of the esophagus persist after symptoms have been relieved.
Have you been coughing for more than 8 weeks? It could be a chronic cough.
Does your cough affect your daily life? Do coughing attacks impact your work or social life? If your cough persists for more than 8 weeks, you may have a chronic cough.
Detecting it early makes all the difference. Take our test now and find out if your cough could be chronic. It's quick, online, and free.
Take the test here > https://happyair.org/cuestionario_evaluacion_tos_cronica/
Learn more about chronic cough here
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Last updated on 7 March, 2026
