Esophageal Reflexes
As acid returns to the esophagus, it can create a spasm of the airways that limits air, according to FamilyDoctor.org. When air is limited, it can cause choking or coughing. Beatacidreflux.org also points out that sometimes acid irritates nerves within the esophagus that are related to the lungs, and this can trigger a cough. However, an individual may not attribute coughing to esophageal reflexes, and often additional symptoms will lead to a diagnosis of acid reflux. Once the reflux is treated, the coughing should subside.
Larynx and Throat
Once the acid reaches the larynx or throat, it can really do damage. Inflammation, swelling and burning in the throat and larynx area can cause the individual to cough. Any throat irritation, just like with a cold, can cause a cough. The body also coughs to bring up protective mucus, which would normally soothe irritation such as acid. Patients who first start self-medicating their chronic cough may find that no lozenge or other sore throat treatment is effective. An acid reflux cough may last late into the day, and thus indicate that the cough was not due to a dry throat from snoring. Treating a patient for a chronic cough with antacids may resolve the coughing. This is one simple way to attribute the cough to acid reflux.
Aspiration
Once a particle or substance passes the larynx, it can find a way into the lungs. This is called aspiration. When acid is aspirated into the lungs, it can cause choking and coughing, according to beatacidreflux.com. Like other causes for a cough with acid reflux, once the acid has been treated, the cough will subside.
