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GERD-Related Cough: Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Approach

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Abstract

Chronic cough is a common problem resulting in significant impairment of quality of life. Along with cough variant asthma and nasal disease, gastroesophageal reflux is considered one of three main causes of cough. Despite this, acid suppression therapy is often far from effective. This review aims to explore whether reflux can lead to cough, the circumstances in which this is most likely to occur, and the potential mechanisms linking these processes. Particular mechanisms to be explored include laryngopharyngeal reflux, microaspiration, and neuronal cross-organ sensitization. Finally, diagnostic approaches are considered.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported in part by a project grant from Moulton Charitable Trust.

Disclosure

Dr. Smith has served as a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline and Merck & Co., has received grant support from GlaxoSmithKline, and has developed a patent in conjunction with Vitalograph.

Dr. Abdulqawi and Dr. Houghton have received grant support from GlaxoSmithKline and developed a patent in conjunction with Vitalograph.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Respiratory Research Group, University of Manchester, ERC Building, Second Floor, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK

    Jaclyn A. Smith

  2. Respiratory Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK

    Rayid Abdulqawi & Lesley A. Houghton

  3. NIHR Translational Research Facility, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Rayid Abdulqawi

  4. College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Lesley A. Houghton

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  1. Jaclyn A. Smith
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  2. Rayid Abdulqawi
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  3. Lesley A. Houghton
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Correspondence to Jaclyn A. Smith.

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Smith, J.A., Abdulqawi, R. & Houghton, L.A. GERD-Related Cough: Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Approach. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 13, 247–256 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-011-0192-x

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