21.02.2026 12:21
Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü, a specialist in Chest Diseases, stated that the most important reason for the increased cough complaints during Ramadan is reflux, emphasizing that lying down immediately after sahur triggers this condition. Özlü stressed that individuals with reflux should not lie down for at least 2-3 hours after eating and should avoid heavy and fatty foods.
Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü stated regarding the increased cough complaints during Ramadan, "With the start of fasting in Ramadan, we have quite a few patients coming in with cough. We can call this 'Ramadan or pre-dawn cough.' In fact, the biggest mechanism triggering this cough is reflux. Especially, the pre-dawn meal is eaten late at night, and then people go to bed immediately. Those with reflux should not lie down immediately after eating for 2-3 hours."
Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü pointed out that there is an increase in the number of patients presenting to hospitals with cough complaints as fasting begins in Ramadan. Noting that the increased cough situation is mostly due to reflux, Özlü said, "With the start of fasting in Ramadan, we have quite a few patients coming in with cough. We can call this 'Ramadan or pre-dawn cough.' In fact, the biggest mechanism triggering this cough is reflux. Especially, the pre-dawn meal is eaten late at night, and then people go to bed immediately. After lying down, the reflux mechanism is triggered. Normally, the food we eat goes down from the esophagus to the stomach, but the reverse does not happen. This is due to the mechanism that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. In some individuals, this mechanism may not work very well, leading to what we call reflux," he said.
"THE MOST IMPORTANT IS CHRONIC COUGH"
Prof. Dr. Özlü noted that lying down full after both the pre-dawn meal and iftar increases reflux, stating, "Reflux means the escape of stomach acid into the esophagus. That acid causes irritation there; this can lead to sores and ulcers in the esophagus. There can also be complaints of burning in the stomach, bloating, and sometimes, 'sour-bitter water comes into my mouth.' The most important is chronic cough. This is one of the most important and most common reasons we see. It can also lead to pharyngitis. During Ramadan, whether at pre-dawn or when lying down full, reflux increases in a horizontal position. Those with reflux should not lie down for 2-3 hours after eating. In a lying position, the valve does not work, and the leakage is much more."
"ONE SHOULD LIE DOWN AFTER THE STOMACH IS EMPTY"
Özlü stated that lying down in a semi-reclined position can also trigger reflux, saying, "Individuals with stomach and intestinal complaints and reflux need to be very careful. One should lie down after the stomach is empty. There can be pain in the chest and burning in the throat. These are significant issues during Ramadan. After iftar, one can lie down in a semi-reclined position due to the drowsiness caused by the meal. The main thing here is not to sleep but to be in a lying position. One should not eat heavy, fatty, and fried foods, nor should they consume acidic beverages. Light foods should be eaten," he said.