Various reasons such as allergies, respiratory infections, ENT problems (ear, nose and throat problems) and in some cases acid reflux/GERD can cause cough. According to some studies, it is estimated that about 25 percent of chronic (long-lasting) cough cases are related to acid reflux. Acid reflux refers to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus and mouth due to problems with LES – lower esophageal sphincter (a ring-shaped muscle present at the lower end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach). LES remains closed/sealed (except when food or drink needs to enter the stomach) to prevent reflux of stomach acid. But if it becomes weakened, the acid has a chance to push back through the food pipe and into the mouth. This is called acid reflux. Acid reflux can happen to anyone from time to time. But when acid reflux becomes a long-term condition that occurs at least twice a week, it is called GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease.
There are two possible reasons why acid reflux can cause a cough.
First, stomach acid tends to irritate the throat, causing a cough. Second, coughing can act as a protective way to get rid of the small stomach acid particles that may have gotten into the throat due to acid reflux. Although the main symptom of acid reflux is heartburn (a burning sensation in the center of the chest behind the breastbone – the breastbone), coughing can sometimes also be a symptom. Usually this type of cough is dry and worsens after a meal, at night or while lying down. It is also a long-lasting (chronic) cough.
In addition to heartburn and coughing, other signs/symptoms of GERD include: chest pain, hoarse voice, sore throat, inflamed larynx (laryngitis), lump in the throat, wheezing, regurgitation of food, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), nausea , vomiting and bad breath. breath.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy provides a natural and effective treatment for cough due to acid reflux. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances and therefore have no side effects. The goal is to determine the cause so that an effective cure can be achieved. Here, homeopathic medicines help in the wonderful treatment of acid reflux by strengthening LES and improving its function to relieve GERD related complaints including cough, heartburn, vomiting, etc. They help in controlling cough that occurs at any time of the day may occur, along with controlling associated stomach symptoms. Long persistent coughing can arise due to various reasons, some of which can be serious, and homeopathic prescription for acid reflux-related cough is selected on a case-by-case basis based on individual symptoms. Therefore, it is advised that any case of cough be assessed by a homeopath to rule out the cause behind the cough. The right treatment is based on the causes and symptoms. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.
Homeopathic medicines for cough due to acid reflux
1. Carbo-vegetarian
Carbo Veg is one of the most famous medicines to treat acid reflux cough. It is suitable if the cough is accompanied by a burning sensation in the center of the chest (heartburn). The cough is dry and caused by roughness in the throat. Coughing can be continuous in nature, but usually worsens in the evenings.
Apart from coughing fits in the evening, in others who require this medicine, the cough becomes worse after ingesting food. There is a feeling of mucus in the throat at night, which is better by sitting or walking. Hoarseness of the voice is also an accompanying factor. Burping after eating and drinking something also occurs. Brash water (excessive salivation mixed with stomach acid rising to the throat) is also sometimes experienced. Fullness and heaviness in the stomach, along with excessive gas and bloating, are felt.
2. Soda phosph
Natrum Phos is the next most effective medicine to help with cases of GERD cough. It is administered when there is a constant cough. The cough seems to arise from an irritation in the throat. Cough is made worse by drinking water where this medicine is needed. In addition to coughing, other acid reflux symptoms that are present include heartburn, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the throat, and acid vomiting.
3. Iris Versicolor
Iris Versicolor is another very useful medicine for people with acid reflux. It works well for people who have dry cough due to throat irritation and burning sensation. A burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone (heartburn) is quite prominent in those who require this medicine. Vomiting with a bitter or sour taste also occurs. Vomiting causes throat irritation. There is a wave of constant nausea present.
4. Nux Vomica
Nux Vomica is a useful medicine, especially if the cough becomes most severe at night and disrupts your sleep. In most cases, the cough worsens after midnight. You witness a persistent coughing fit while lying on your back, while lying on your sides provides relief. It also gets worse when eating. Drinking warm liquids relieves one of the cough symptoms. In addition to coughing, vomiting may occur. Heartburn is also felt. In the morning, a sour and bitter taste is felt in the mouth. The mornings are also characterized by nausea. It is one of the best medicines when a person gets stomach upset after eating spicy food or alcoholic drinks.
5. Lycopodium
Another medicine that can be considered for the treatment of acid reflux cough is Lycopodium. Those who need it complain of coughing day and night. Usually the cough gets worse between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. It also gets worse if you lie down and eat and drink something cold. The stomach symptoms that are clearly visible are heartburn, acid belching and vomiting after eating or drinking.
6. China Officinalis
This medicine is effective if coughing occurs every time you eat a meal. It worsens at night. Vomiting may occur when coughing. It is acidic and may contain food particles. At the time of coughing, pain is felt in the chest. Bitter belching occurs along with coughing. A weight is felt in the stomach. It is well indicated for stomach complaints arising from consuming tea, milk, fruit or fish.
7. Belladonna
This medicine is very valuable in treating a cough that gets worse at the time of getting ready to sleep. A cough wakes the victim and the cough is short and dry, caused by a tickling sensation in the throat. Chest pain can be felt when coughing. You can also vomit undigested food. Belladonna is also one of the best medicines for sore throat with cough.
8. Arsenic album
Arsenic Album is an important medicine when coughing due to acid reflux worsens after midnight (12am). It also gets worse when drinking while lying on the back and gets better when sitting. Before coughing, anxiety and restlessness are felt. In those who need it, acid reflux and bitter stomach acid are noticeable, which is a cause of heartburn and also causes excoriation (damage) of the throat lining. Nausea and vomiting occur after eating or drinking.
9. Mordant
This medicine is used when there is coughing due to tickling (irritation) in the pharynx. Coughing attacks increase after eating. It is dry, hard and improves with sips of cold water. The cough usually gets worse in the evening and morning and there is no coughing during the day. Together with coughing, hoarseness of the voice may occur. A burning sensation is also felt in the throat.