Why your cough or throat irritation may not be a cold
If you have a cough that does not go away, or your throat feels irritated all the time—like a sore throat is about to start—it can be worrying. Most people think this happens because of a cold, flu, or chest infection. But sometimes, the real reason is not related to the lungs or throat at all.
In many cases, the problem actually starts in the stomach.
Acid reflux can irritate your throat
Dr Joseph Salhab, a stomach specialist (gastroenterologist) from Florida, explains that coughing after eating, constant throat clearing, or feeling like something is stuck in the throat can be signs of a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
This happens when stomach acid moves upward, reaches the throat and voice box, and causes irritation. The voice box is very sensitive, so even a small amount of acid can cause problems.
Common symptoms of LPR
According to Dr Salhab, symptoms may include:
Coughing after meals
Constant need to clear the throat
A feeling that something is stuck in the throat
Hoarse or weak voice
A cough that lasts for weeks or months
Many people with LPR do not feel heartburn, which is why they don’t realise acid reflux is the cause.
Why normal reflux medicines may not help
Dr Salhab explains that acid and a digestive enzyme called pepsin travel from the stomach up to the throat. This causes irritation and coughing. Because LPR affects the throat and not just the stomach, regular acid reflux medicines may not always work well.
How LPR is treated
Treatment focuses on reducing acid and preventing it from reaching the throat. Dr Salhab recommends:
Avoiding trigger foods like coffee, alcohol, spicy food, acidic food, chocolate, and mint
Not eating late at night
Following a low-acid diet
Using sodium alginate products if needed, which create a protective layer to block acid
Seeing a gastroenterologist or ENT doctor if symptoms continue.
When to see a doctor
If your cough or throat irritation lasts for a long time and does not improve, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Proper treatment can bring relief once the real cause is identified.
