I have the cough also. And I do take Nexium twice a day. It does nothing for the cough at all. I even wheeze when I exhale I also have short segment Barrett’s. I drink throat coat tea when I get up and one before bed. I also chew sugarless gum. It helps somewhat

I have had GERD - caused by a hiatal hernia - for about twenty years, and have been on a PPI (Lansoprazole) for as long. I know there has been advice not to use PPIs for longer than two weeks, but I have had no side effects or complications having used it for this long. No BE - I have had endoscopies done every five years (at the same time as a colonoscopy) to ensure I have not developed Barrett’s.

I eat and drink whatever I want, but having said that, I have never been fond of sweet stuff like cakes, cookies, etc. (though I do indulge in a bit when I get a craving), chips (except for the occasional small order of McDonald’s fried) or carbonated drinks. I do love carbs though and eat rice every day for supper! lol. I cannot drink lemon juice or apple cider vinegar because I find them very acidic - even though everyone assures me they are really alkaline (go figure, eh!)! I cannot eat pineapple or take bromeline either for the same reason. I eat only two meals a day, between noon and 8:00 p.m. - the latest, 9:00 p.m. - and maybe an occasional snack between the two meals. I ever eat past 9:00 p.m., to avoid reflux when I go to bed around midnight. Despite that, sometimes I wake up with chest pain but a few sips of water (always kept by my bedside) eases that.

I also find having the head of my bed raised about six inches helps prevent any regurgitation or reflux. I used risers for years to elevate the top of my bed (available on Amazon or in any bed and linens store) but recently bought an adjustable bed (also available on Amazon) which I find even better as I can raise or lower the head or foot of my bed - or both, which I haven’t done yet though - to any height. I avoid bending over to do any kind of work as I can guarantee chest pain within minutes if I do, and I never lie flat on my back for the same reason.

I do not eat or drink anything after 8 pm and I absolutely do not take ibupropen in any shape or form. Only Tylenol. The BE has disappeared.

PPIs are the gold standard for Barrett’s. I take 80 mg a day. I do have issues it’s them upsetting my gut but I’d rather that than developing a cancer caused by Barrett’s .
You also need to be very proactive with your diet.
I also take a pre and probiotic daily.

I can’t tolerate ppi’s either. Would like alternative

Hi. any ideas on alternatives to cheddar cheese ?. I have a few slices in the mornings just to get me going, along with a banana, [i can't eat much first thing in the morning]. I have heard that cheddar cheese is a no no. thanks.

I drink alkaline water and use it to spray my throat to kill off the digestive enzyme pepsin. I also use the alginate Gaviscon Advance, UK version, which stung at first from its sodium but now is soothing. Low acid, whole food diet is helpful for many people, maybe for you two. There is a FB page with many recipes, I think it's called the Acidwatchers Diet Warriors Group. Dr. Jamie Koufman has a lot of free info on her web site. Dr. Jonathan Aviv has a lot of info scattered about the internet. Maybe also look into vagus nerve damage as causing the coughing?