Does Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cause a Chronic Cough?

If you have eosinophilic esophagitis — inflammation in the food pipe that connects your mouth to your stomach — you may experience symptoms like heartburn and difficulty swallowing. But what about a nagging, chronic cough? Is it an eosinophilic esophagitis cough?

Probably not.

Gastroenterologist Claire Beveridge, MD, explains why the disease likely isn’t the cause of your coughing fits.

Does eosinophilic esophagitis cause a chronic cough?

Not necessarily.

“In general, a cough shouldn’t be because of eosinophilic esophagitis,” says Dr. Beveridge. “With eosinophilic esophagitis, there can be a lot of comorbid conditions.”

That means you can have eosinophilic esophagitis, as well as another condition, which may be the reason for your chronic cough. Eosinophilic esophagitis is often associated with asthma and seasonal allergies, which can be causes of a cough.

Comorbid conditions that can cause a chronic cough

A chronic cough can be the result of:

• Asthma
• Acid reflux
• Postnasal drip
• Allergies
• Smoking

All these things can irritate your throat, leading to a cough that won’t go away.

“So, what’s causing the chronic cough? That’s the question your healthcare provider wants to answer,” stresses Dr. Beveridge.

Ways to relieve a chronic cough

Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your chronic cough, which will then dictate how best to treat it.

“For example, if your chronic cough is caused by postnasal drip, then it’s figuring out how to control your seasonal allergies,” says Dr. Beveridge. “If it’s asthma, then it’s working with your doctor to manage your asthma and make sure your inhalers are working their best.”

While less common, if your chronic cough is due to acid reflux, it may help to keep your head elevated when you sleep or maximize your acid-blocking medications. Your healthcare provider may recommend working to determine your triggers, like coffee, alcohol, mint, garlic and onions.

In most cases, your healthcare provider may suggest medication to manage your chronic cough. Lifestyle changes can also help both your chronic cough and eosinophilic esophagitis. Here’s what to try.

1. Eat a well-balanced diet

Aim to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Doing so can help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Try to limit or avoid processed foods or other foods high in salt or sugar, as they can increase inflammation and cause your body to produce more mucus.

2. Get enough sleep

Focusing on quality ZZZs can also help reduce your chronic cough. Sleep gives your body enough time to rest and repair, which improves your immune system.

Try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.

3. Stay hydrated

Drinking water and other fluids doesn’t just help soothe an irritated throat. It also helps keep your airways moist and reduce mucus.

How much water you may need daily depends on factors like your activity level, weather and metabolism.

4. Quit smoking

Breaking this habit brings lots of health benefits. When it comes to a chronic cough, quitting smoking helps repair the tiny, little hairs called cilia, which sweep and remove mucus and other irritants from your airways.

5. Consider home remedies

Certain at-home treatments may help manage a chronic cough:

• Drink ginger tea. You may have heard that ginger can help with digestive issues. But it can also soothe an irritated throat thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Use a humidifier. This can keep your airways moisturized and thin mucus. And it can be especially helpful during winter months, when the air is cold and dry.
• Inhale steam from a hot shower. Take a few minutes to deeply breathe in the steam from your shower. Doing so also helps keep your airways properly moisturized.

But other common home remedies that work for a run-of-the-mill cough from a cold — like cough drops and honey — may not work for a chronic cough.

Key takeaway

Eosinophilic esophagitis doesn’t usually cause a chronic cough, so there’s a good chance you may have another condition that’s irritating your throat and esophagus.

“If a chronic cough is something that’s persistent and bothersome for you, definitely seek advice and help from your doctor,” advises Dr. Beveridge. “They can recommend treatment that works alongside your eosinophilic esophagitis management plan.”