Re: GERD=Is anyone else COUGHING??!!!!

Posted By Cathy on August 08, 1998 at 13:33:05:

In Reply to: Re: GERD=Is anyone else COUGHING??!!!! posted by P.BARR on August 06, 1998 at 20:56:16:






: : : : I need for some folks to share whether or not they have a cough with their GERD and how bad it is. I'm really worried about mine and wonder if it relates to cancer. Please share your experiences, thoughts, and suggestions for controlling the cough. Thanks!!
:  ____
: : : Dear Denise,
: : : Many people with GERD can have a cough.  There are a number of possible explanations for the cough.  Acid may reflux into the mouth and even be aspirated into the lungs, initiating a spasm of coughing.  A second explanation is a nerve reflex initiated by acid merely refluxing into the esophagus.  The acid causes spasm of the air tubes which can lead to a dry cough.  IF you have had chronic reflux, you may develop a stricture .  Food may regurgitate and be aspirated causing coughing and a choking sensation.  Finally, if you smoke, your reflux would be worse and the cigarettes could be responsible for the cough.
: If you are concerned that you may have a lung cancer, you should have a chest X-ray for peace of mind.
: This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specfic medical questions.
: HFHSM.D.-rf
: : : *keywords{ esophageal reflux, cough
: : : 0.2
Thank you SO MUCH for your prompt reply!! My last question on this coughing concern is: if the cough is productive (as mine is) instead of dry, what does that mean? My lungs accumulate some fluid which causes a rattle, and this is coughed up. The sputum from that is clear. Thanks, again!!
_______
: Dear Denise,
: A productive cough is indicative of fluid or mucous in the respiratory tubes.  Bronchitis, post nasal drip, cogestive (congestive) heart failure are among the possible causes of this symptom.  A chest X-ray should provide much useful information for you.
HFHSM.D.-rf
: *keywords: esophageal reflux
: 0.2