Most of us have experienced a persistent cough at some point in our lives. A cough after a cold is normal and usually resolves in a week or two. However, if it lasts longer than 8 weeks in adults and 4 weeks in children, it’s considered a chronic cough. It’s important to see a chest physician in Navi Mumbai to figure out the underlying cause of chronic cough.
Persistent coughing doesn’t only cause physical discomfort, but can be super annoying and might disrupt your sleep. The result is people waking up feeling exhausted. In severe cases, chronic coughing can cause a rib fracture. The good news is that the cough often resolves once the root cause of the cough is identified and treated.
Causes of Chronic Cough
Below, we’ve explained the most common issues that might be the underlying cause of persistent coughing.
Postnasal Drip: The mucus produced by your nose can flow back into your throat, causing a cough reflex. This is a common cause of a persistent cough.
Asthma: While shortness of breath and wheezing are the most common symptoms of asthma, the cough-variant asthma can have cough as the main symptom, especially in children.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Your cough could be due to GERD, a condition where the acid in your stomach flows up the esophagus. This can cause persistent coughing, which gets worse when you lie down or have a meal.
Infection: If you have had an infection, such as the flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19, you could develop a persistent cough.
Lung Issues: Persistent coughing can also signal a serious condition, like lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis. However, these often come with other warning signs.
Symptoms of Chronic Cough
You can have a chronic cough with other symptoms. Visit a multispecialty hospital in Navi Mumbai if you have:
- Blocked nose
- An urge to clear your throat consistently
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Postnasal drip
- Cough accompanied by blood (though rare)
If you have a whooping cough that’s persistent and doesn’t get better over time, see a healthcare expert to rule out serious underlying issues.
Treatment for Chronic Cough
The treatment depends on the cause of the cough. Here’s what may help:
Antihistamines: If your cough is linked to an allergy, you need to start taking antihistamines.
Inhalers: If you have cough-variant asthma, inhalers help bring the airway inflammation down, relax your airways, and improve lung function over time.
Antacids: If you have persistent coughing due to GERD, antacids can help. Additionally, you must eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, and avoid spicy foods.
Antibiotics or Cough Suppressants: For people with a bacterial infection that causes a cough that lingers for weeks, your doctor may start you on an antibiotic course. Sometimes, cough suppressants are recommended for relief.
Remember, over-the-counter cough suppressants or other medications may treat your cough temporarily, but won’t address the underlying cause of it. See a healthcare professional and take the prescribed tests to find the cause of whooping cough and get treatment accordingly.