Cold Air and Acid Reflux: How They Are Connected

Photo by Spencer Backman on Unsplash

I live in the Rocky Mountains, where summers are amazing and winters can be quite cold. Heading out this morning, it's a crisp 15 degrees F. When the frigid cold air hits me in the face after being inside, It can send me into fits of coughing.

While cold air may not directly cause acid reflux, it can make things worse. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between cold air and acid reflux, and how you can manage your symptoms during colder weather.

How Cold Air Affects Acid Reflux

Constricted Airway

Cold air can cause the muscles in your airway to constrict, leading to a sensation of tightness in the chest. This tightening can be uncomfortable for people with acid reflux, as it may exacerbate the pressure on the stomach and increase the likelihood of acid flowing back into the esophagus. This can cause discomfort, coughing, and the sensation of heartburn.

Worsening of Asthma Symptoms

Cold air is a known trigger for people with asthma, and asthma is often seen in combination with acid reflux. People with both asthma and acid reflux may experience a "vicious cycle" where the reflux aggravates asthma symptoms, leading to increased coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Dry Air

In winter, the air tends to be drier, which can dry out the mucous membranes in your throat. If you already have acid reflux, the dry air can worsen the irritation caused by stomach acid that reaches the esophagus, leading to more severe symptoms like coughing, sore throat, and hoarseness. Dry air can also contribute to post-nasal drip, which may worsen the irritation in the throat caused by acid reflux.

Increased Exposure to Respiratory Infections

Cold weather is associated with a higher incidence of respiratory infections like colds and flu, which can make acid reflux symptoms worse. Coughing and congestion from respiratory infections can irritate the throat and esophagus, making it more susceptible to acid reflux. In addition, certain medications used to treat colds or flu may aggravate reflux symptoms. For example, decongestants, can relax the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

Changes in Diet and Habits

During colder months, people tend to eat heavier, richer foods that can trigger acid reflux. Comfort foods, such as fatty or spicy dishes, chocolate, and caffeine can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Plus, during colder weather, people may be less active, which can also contribute to weight gain, further increasing the risk of reflux.

Managing Acid Reflux During Cold Weather

Dress Warmly and Protect Your Chest

When going outside in cold weather, wear a scarf or jacket that can help protect your chest and throat from the harsh cold air. Keeping your chest warm can reduce the constriction of the airways and decrease discomfort. A hat or face mask could also help

Stay Hydrated

Cold air tends to dry out the body, so staying hydrated is essential to prevent your throat from becoming dry and irritated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep the throat moist and reduces irritation caused by acid reflux.

Use a Humidifier

If the dry air in your home or workplace makes your reflux symptoms worse, consider using a humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping to soothe dry throats and nasal passages, which can be especially helpful during winter months.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Cold weather often leads to indulgence in comfort foods, but it’s important to avoid foods that trigger acid reflux. Spicy foods, rich or fatty dishes, chocolate, caffeine, and citrus should be limited, as they can increase stomach acid and worsen reflux symptoms. Plus, avoid eating right before heading out in the cold. A full stomach combined with cold air can make your reflux worse

Manage Stress

Stress is a significant contributor to acid reflux, and cold weather can sometimes lead to stress due to seasonal changes or illnesses. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, to help reduce the impact of stress on your digestive system.

Warm up Your Car

If possible, have someone warm up your car before you get in it. Use seat warmers to warm your body up faster and take a travel mug of chamomile or ginger tea to soothe your throat and warm you from the inside. Keep in mind that blasting hot air can irritate your throat and esophagus.

Conclusion

While cold air itself doesn’t directly cause acid reflux, it can certainly aggravate symptoms, especially for those with respiratory issues or sensitivity to dry air. If you find that cold weather triggers your reflux, minimize discomfort, including protecting your throat from the cold, staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods, and managing stress.

By staying mindful of the environmental factors that contribute to reflux, you can better manage your symptoms during the colder months and keep your digestive health in check. If your acid reflux symptoms worsen in the winter, consult with your healthcare provider to explore further treatments and adjustments to your lifestyle.