I have a persistent cough, burping and congestion feeling in my chest. It has been on and off for about a month. Thought it might be my asthma. Got new inhalers. But still getting the constant cough and burping every now and then especially after meals. It feels the worse at night and when I first get up. Not sure if it is GERD because I don t get the acidic burn in my throat. Any ideas.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion you should first consult pulmonologist and get done PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out asthma. As without PFT asthma can not be diagnosed. So better to first diagnosed yourself and then start or change inhalers. Your complaints at present seem more due to HERD (Castro Esophageal Reflux Disease). It is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms. Try to follow these steps for better management of HERD.1. Avoid hot and spicy food. 2. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. 3. Avoid stress and anxiety. 4. Start proton pump inhibitor. 5. Go for walk after meals. 6. Keep 2 - 3 pillows under head in the bed. HERD and coughing can worsen each other. So simultaneously we need to manage both.