Thepersistent Cough and Hoarseness in Women: A Connected Story About Diet
Women report persistent dry coughs - several physicians overlook this potential condition - Persistent Cough Troubles Woman; Diagnosis Overlooked by Several Medical Professionals
Pen down by Constanze Löffler* Read time: 3 minutes*
She, a woman in her late sixties, had faced an ordeal of countless visits to healthcare professionals. None seemed to have a solution for her. Skepticism lingered in her eyes as she faced me, a gastroenterologist, eager to find solace for her prolonged suffering. Her tale began to unfurl...
- Chronic Cough
- Hoarseness
- Dietary Connection
The seeming disconnect between her throat irritations and her stomach health might actually be more closely knit than one may think. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its cousin, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), could be the culprits.
GERD & LPR Explained
GERD sets in when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach—malfunctions, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This acid reflux irritates the esophageal lining and presents symptoms such as chronic coughing, hoarseness, sore throats, and difficulty swallowing[1][2][5]. LPR, however, is a reflex variant that extends beyond the esophagus, impacting the throat and larynx, causing inflammation. Unlike classical GERD, LPR may not present heartburn but can induce persistent hoarseness, throat clearing, and chronic coughing[2][3][4].
It is dietary habits that play a decisive role in triggering or amplifying problems associated with GERD and LPR. Certain foods can be the culprit, like fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, spicy dishes, acidic items (lemons, tomatoes), and large meal portions[1][4]. Unhealthy eating routines, such as consuming meals late at night or overeating, can also intensify reflux symptoms.
From a gastroenterology standpoint, consider the gut-lung and gut-ENT axes. These connections suggest that changes in the gut microbiome, triggered by diet or other factors, can induce systemic inflammation and modify nerve signaling (including the vagus nerve), reducing LES tone and boosting reflux susceptibility. This implies that diet influences reflux more than just via direct acid production, but also by altering gut flora and inflammation, which in turn can worsen symptoms like coughs and hoarseness[4].
In conclusion:
- Presistent coughs and hoarseness in women could be symptoms of LPR—a variation of GERD[1][2][3].
- Diet factors contribute to GERD/LPR by inciting increased acid reflux and impacting gut health, which can augment reflux symptoms[1][4].
- Managing reflux often necessitates dietary modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods, controlling meal size, and timing meals earlier, in addition to medical therapy if needed[1][2].
Thus, persistent coughing and hoarseness could potentially be manifestations of a reflux disease deeply intertwined with diet and gastrointestinal health.
The Commission's consultation on the draft directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation could be relevant in understanding the potential impact of certain therapies and treatments, including those in the field of healthcare, science, and mental health, on a person's overall health and wellness, particularly in relation to their fitness and exercise routines and nutrition intake. A healthy diet, as per the recommendations in nutrition and health-and-wellness, might help reduce or manage symptoms associated with GERD and LPR, such as chronic coughing and hoarseness, by minimizing the consumption of trigger foods and optimizing meal timing, thereby contributing to better mental health and overall well-being. Science and research have shown that the gut microbiome, significantly influenced by diet, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and altering nerve signaling, which could potentially impact the lower esophageal sphincter tone and reflux susceptibility, further emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining good health.
