Chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Generally more than 8 weeks of cough is called chronic cough. Often there is such a phenomenon, coughing for more than two months, medicine also took, no effect; film, CT also took, no problem. This time to consider the gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux is the second or third cause of chronic cough, although heartburn and regurgitation is a typical symptom of gastroesophageal reflux, but chronic cough may be the only symptom of gastroesophageal reflux. The mechanism leading to chronic cough is primarily due to irritation from reflux in the distal esophagus via a vagus nerve-mediated esophageal-bronchial reflex. The disease may be considered if there has been a history of gastric problems, especially symptoms such as heartburn, and a recent old cough for which respiratory medicine treatment has been ineffective. The diagnosis of GERD can be based on typical symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation, or on diagnostic treatment. Treatment of this disease includes the following: 1. Weight control. 2, Do not eat two to three hours before bedtime and elevate the head as appropriate. 3, emotional stability, avoid “fire”, anger. Avoid high fat, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and carbonated beverages. 5, acid suppression therapy, recommended the use of proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole. 6.Surgery should be considered for serious cases or those who are not effective in drug treatment.