A significant link exists between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and psychological factors, according to research.
I’ve had a persistent cough for 13 months, which I nicknamed Coughzilla after nine months because my warped sense of humor said, “Well, it’s been this long, you might as well name it.”
Having been on over 19 medications for the cough to no avail, I was referred to a pulmonologist in the summer who told me that I had eosinophilic asthma and that there was mild scarring in my lungs which he wasn’t concerned about. I’ve had asthma since I was 12 but this new diagnosis was a chronic allergic condition causing inflammation in the esophagus due to a buildup of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. The doctor recommended allergy shots again and prescribed me the Fasenra Pen. However, I didn’t get relief from the latter either.
When I saw the new allergist recently, I passed my breathing tests with flying colors, and I’ve never been able to pass those. The doctor stated that what I had was a GERD cough. I’ve had reflux since 1993 but never had a cough that lasted over a year. He doubled my generic Prilosec and said if I didn’t have relief in a week to call his nurse. I called her as directed and was told to call her back on the 18th and we might have to look at an alternative treatment.
According to experts, chronic stress can trigger acid reflux leading to a cough associated with GERD. People with the disease with a persistent hack often report higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with those who don’t. I fell into that category. The combination of a persistent cough and psychological distress has a great impact on quality of life as I can attest. The potential to reduce GERD symptoms can be found via cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, psychotherapy, as well as addressing lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene. Even losing just a few pounds will help improve GERD symptoms, according to research. Walking, light jogging, riding a stationary bike, or swimming are all good for this disease.
According to the National Institutes of Health, GERD can lead to anxiety and depression and in turn, psychological disorders can also lead to reflux symptoms. Treating frequent acid reflux involves eating small meals more slowly, elevating the head of the bed, quitting smoking if you do, sleeping on your left side, and not lying down for three hours after eating. GERD can also worsen asthma for people who have the illness leading to additional coughing fits.
Some reports have indicated that 25 percent or more of chronic cough cases may be associated with reflux.
According to Very Well Health, various psychosocial factors such as chronic stress, emotional instability, abnormal acid reflux, and obesity are associated with GERD manifestations and symptoms. The four stages of the disease are mild, moderate, severe, and pre-cancer.
Giving up fatty or friend foods, red meat, sodas, coffee, sparkling water, sugar, processed foods, sweets, tangerines, egg nogg, butter, grapes, spicy and acidic foods, barbecue, Chinese food, alcohol, cranberry sauce, dressing, and boiled eggs with the yolk intact are also suggested. If you enjoy rotisserie chicken, just take off the skin. Foods that help GERD include black and green olives, cherries in moderation, bananas, asparagus, oatmeal, carrots, whole grains, vegetables, melon, apples, and pears.