Chronic Cough, Poor Sleep, Chest Pain? Acid Reflux Could Be The Culprit

• Acid reflux can manifest as atypical symptoms like chronic cough, throat irritation, unexplained chest tightness, and broken sleep, often mistaken for other conditions.
• Doctors emphasize that not all GERD symptoms present as classic heartburn; many patients experience dry cough, throat clearing, or chest discomfort mimicking cardiac pain.
• Lying flat exacerbates night-time reflux, allowing stomach acid to irritate the esophagus and airways, leading to severe cough and sleep disruptions.
• Silent reflux, without obvious heartburn, can cause chronic coughing, unexplained chest pain, frequent throat irritation, hoarseness, and interrupted sleep, often delaying proper diagnosis.
• Lifestyle changes like lighter, earlier dinners, elevating the head during sleep, weight control, and avoiding trigger foods are crucial for managing symptoms; advanced treatments like Nissen fundoplication are options when lifestyle and medication fail.