Defining the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and cough: probabilities, possibilities and limitations

Matthew M Eastburn¹^,2 , Peter H Katelaris³ and Anne B Chang¹^,4

¹Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia

²School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia

³Department of Gastroenterology, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia

⁴Child Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

author email corresponding author email

Cough 2007, 3:4doi:10.1186/1745-9974-3-4


Published:	20 March 2007

Abstract

The common co-existence of cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is well established. However, ascertaining cause and effect is more difficult for many reasons that include occurrence by chance of two common symptoms, the changing definition of GORD, equipment limitations and the lack of randomised controlled trials. Given these difficulties, it is not surprising that there is disparity of opinion between respiratory and gastroenterology society guidelines on the link between GORD and chronic cough. This commentary explores of these issues.