Coronavirus and GERD
Coronavirus and GERD can have similar symptoms, such as cough and chest pain, but Cooper experts have put together a guide to help you differentiate the two.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach). This backwash of stomach secretions into the esophagus (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
- COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing.
- You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands frequently, not touching your face, and practicing social distancing by avoiding close contact with people who do not live in your household.
Coronavirus vs. GERD
| SYMPTOMS | COVID-19 | GERD |
| Cough | Dry (no mucus) | Dry (no mucus) |
| Chest Pain | X | X |
| Fever | X | |
| Nasal Congestion | X | |
| Sore Throat | X | |
| Shortness of Breath | X | |
| Bluish Lips or Face | X | |
| Chills and Aches | X | |
| Loss of Smell and Taste | X | |
| Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) | X | |
| Digestive Discomfort | X | |
| Tiredness | X | |
| Headache | X | |
| Feeling of a Lump in Your Throat | X | |
| Regurgitation of Food | X | |
| Difficulty Swallowing | X | |
| Laryngitis | X | |
| Asthma | X | |
| Sleep Apnea | X |
Can coronavirus cause GERD?
COVID-19 is a disease that can cause what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. It can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs). There is no information yet on whether COVID-19 causes GERD.
Contact Us
If you have flu-like symptoms and think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, review our instructions and information on our testing sites.
If you believe you have GERD, call 800.826.6737 to speak to an expert from the Digestive Health Institute and discuss your options.