A cold, a viral infection of the nose and throat, brings uncomfortable symptoms. Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest from stomach acid, can unexpectedly accompany a cold. While a cold doesn’t directly cause heartburn, several indirect factors can contribute to or worsen its occurrence.
How Colds Can Lead to Heartburn
The physical strain of a cold can impact the digestive system, leading to heartburn. Frequent coughing or sneezing, common cold symptoms, increase abdominal pressure. This pressure can force stomach acid past the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that normally prevents reflux, allowing acid into the esophagus.
Post-nasal drip, where excess mucus drips down the throat, is another factor. This mucus can irritate the esophageal lining, making it sensitive to stomach acid and triggering heartburn, and can worsen existing acid reflux irritation.
Certain over-the-counter cold medications can also induce heartburn. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, taken for cold symptoms, can irritate the stomach lining and reduce its protective mucus barrier, leading to increased acid production or direct irritation. Some decongestants may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid reflux.
Changes in daily habits during a cold can further contribute to heartburn. People might consume more acidic or sugary comfort foods and drinks, or less fiber. Reduced hydration can concentrate stomach acid and decrease saliva’s neutralizing effect. Spending more time lying down also removes gravitational assistance, increasing reflux likelihood.
Managing Heartburn During a Cold
When experiencing heartburn with a cold, several strategies can help. Adjust your diet by focusing on bland, easy-to-digest foods and avoiding triggers like spicy, fatty, or acidic items, caffeine, and alcohol. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also reduce stomach pressure and prevent overfilling, lessening reflux.
Proper posture, especially when resting, can alleviate heartburn. Elevating the head of the bed by six to eight inches with risers or a wedge pillow helps gravity keep stomach acid down, particularly at night. Staying hydrated with water or soothing herbal teas like ginger or chamomile can dilute stomach acid and support digestion.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications offer relief for heartburn. Antacids, like calcium carbonate, provide quick, temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid. H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine) reduce acid production longer, while proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole offer potent, longer-lasting suppression for frequent heartburn. Always follow dosage instructions and consider consulting a pharmacist. Check cold medication labels for ingredients that might worsen heartburn, such as NSAIDs.
When to Consult a Doctor
While self-care often provides relief, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. If heartburn persists or worsens despite self-care, seek professional advice. Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia) always prompts medical consultation, as it can signal significant issues.
Unexplained weight loss with heartburn requires prompt medical attention. Severe chest pain, especially if radiating to the arm or jaw, or with shortness of breath, necessitates immediate emergency care, as these could be signs of a heart attack. Seek medical help if heartburn continues long after cold symptoms resolve, or if there are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding like black, tarry stools or vomiting blood.