Do you find yourself coughing at night, causing disturbed sleep for you and perhaps other members of your household? Night cough can be frustrating and uncomfortable, and it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause.
Many people assume that coughing at night is a symptom of a respiratory condition like asthma or bronchitis. However, there may be another surprising culprit behind your night cough – acid reflux.
What is Acid Reflux?
When we eat food, it travels down the esophagus and into the stomach, where it is broken down by acids and enzymes.
The muscle at the end of the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), opens to let food into the stomach and then closes to prevent the stomach contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. In people with acid reflux, however, this muscle does not function properly and allows stomach acid and digestive juices to flow back up into the esophagus. This results in a burning sensation known as heartburn.
Nighttime Acid Reflux
Nighttime acid reflux occurs when we are lying down. Gravity no longer helps keep the stomach contents where they belong, and so it becomes easier for acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, and of course, a cough. The cough may be caused by the acid irritating the throat and airway, or by the need to clear the throat of mucus produced in response to the acid.
Why Acid Reflux May Go Undetected
Many people with nighttime cough due to acid reflux may not even realize that acid reflux is the cause. This is because they may not experience the typical symptoms of heartburn during the day.
Instead, their symptoms may be more subtle or may not occur until nighttime. Some people may simply feel like they have a tickle in their throat that makes them cough, and they may not associate this with acid reflux.
Other Symptoms of Acid Reflux
While nighttime cough is a common symptom of acid reflux, it is not the only one. Other symptoms of acid reflux can include:.
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- Heartburn
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea
- Bloating or gas
- Difficulty swallowing
Diagnosing Acid Reflux
If you are experiencing nighttime cough and suspect that acid reflux may be the cause, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider.
Your provider can perform a physical exam and may order diagnostic tests such as an endoscopy, a pH test, or a barium swallow.
Treating Acid Reflux
The treatment for acid reflux will depend on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. For occasional heartburn or mild symptoms, your provider may recommend over-the-counter antacids or acid blockers.
Lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and elevating the head of the bed may also help reduce symptoms.
For more severe or frequent symptoms, prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers may be necessary. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to strengthen the LES.
Preventing Nighttime Acid Reflux
There are several steps you can take to help prevent acid reflux symptoms from occurring at night:.
- Avoid eating large meals or heavy, fatty foods before bedtime
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as these can increase acid production and relax the LES
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to help prevent acid from flowing back up into the esophagus
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that puts pressure on the stomach
Conclusion
While many people assume that nighttime coughing is a symptom of a respiratory condition, it may actually be caused by acid reflux.
If you are experiencing nighttime cough, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Lifestyle changes and medications can help reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality.
