A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts eight weeks or longer. More than simply an annoyance, a lingering cough can disrupt your sleep and affect your work. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, congestion and heartburn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a persistent cough that doesn\u2019t disappear after a reasonable amount of time, make an appointment with your physician for an evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Chronic Cough?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A cough is your body\u2019s way of expelling a substance that is irritating the air passages. When cells lining the air passages become irritated, they trigger air in the lungs to be forced out under high pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic coughing can be triggered by a variety of factors. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Postnasal drip.<\/li>
Asthma.<\/li>
Allergies.<\/li>
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).<\/li>
Upper respiratory tract infections.<\/li>
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (includes bronchitis and emphysema).<\/li>
Pertussis (whooping cough).<\/li>
Air pollution.<\/li>
ACE inhibitors (found in some medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Smokers are most at risk for developing a chronic cough, as are those exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Cough?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You should contact your doctor if your cough is accompanied by fever, excessive phlegm production or blood; fails to improve after your other symptoms have disappeared; interferes with your daily activities or sleep; or you have difficulty breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Is Chronic Cough Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your doctor will discuss your medical history and give you a physical exam before administering diagnostic tests designed to determine the cause of your chronic cough. An imaging test (X-rays or CT scan), lung function test, lab tests and endoscopic tests of the trachea, nostrils and esophagus are all common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. If medications are prescribed, they may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Antihistamines.<\/li>
Decongestants<\/li>
Asthma drugs.<\/li>
Antibiotics.<\/li>
Acid blockers.<\/li>
Cough suppressants.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Depending on your medical evaluation, your doctor may refer you to speech therapy for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Home remedies incorporating lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or adjusting your diet to eliminate foods that trigger acid reflux, can also be effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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