How often is coughing the presenting complaint in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Abstract

Frequent coughing is a concern for approximately 35% of those with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation as compared with 11% in those who do not have these symptoms. Among pulmonary clinic patients with complaints of chronic cough, GERD may be the underlying cause in 40%. (Grade of recommendation: C, based on extrapolation from cohort studies.) However, no studies directly address prevalence of coughing as a presenting complaint in patients with GERD.