Can Sinus Drainage Cause Acid Reflux?

Sinus problems and acid reflux are known to be connected. People who suffer from acid reflux are more likely to suffer from sinus infections, but this does not mean that sinus drainage can cause acid reflux.

Sinus Drainage and Acid Reflux

• Sinus drainage can cause many problems, including a chronic cough, but sinus drainage is not one of the causes of acid reflux.

Sinusitis and Acid Reflux Connection

• People with acid reflux are more prone to sinus infections, since acid from the stomach finds its way into the sinus passages and irritates the membranes.

Treatment

• Treating a patient's acid reflux--either through medication or diet changes--will often help relieve frequent sinus infections due to acid reflux.

Chronic Cough

• Sinus drainage and acid reflux irritate the larynx, which in turn causes a person to cough. The cough will irritate the larynx, which results in another coughing fit. This creates a long-term cycle where a patient suffers from a hacking cough.

Tissue Damage

• Acid reflux can damage tissue in the throat as well as in the stomach. The condition is caused by stomach acid finding its way into the oral and sinus passages.