Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts 8 weeks or more.

When should you visit the doctor’s office?

You should visit your doctor if you are: Coughing up phlegm; making sounds when you breathe in; you’re running a fever; losing weight; having night sweats; and coughing up blood.

What’s the usual reason for chronic cough?

Chronic cough can be caused by infection as a result of Tuberculosis. Pneumonia is also common in our country. Chronic cough is also a symptom pointing to lung cancer. In most cases the following are causes of chronic cough:

Smoking. Smoking causes cough that doesn’t go away.

Allergies. Drip of mucous coming from your nose that slips and slides inside your mouth and throat is called ‘postnasal drip’. It is caused by exposure to an allergen, like pollen and dust. Cough is a normal mechanism or reflex of the body to remove the allergen.

Medicines. Read brochures or literature of the medicines you are taking. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors that are indicated for high blood pressure can cause chronic cough. When in doubt, ask your doctor if any of your medicines can trigger coughing.

Asthma. Development of asthma in adult is usually allergic type. Your doctor can listen to your lungs with the use of his stethoscope and he can perform tests to find out if you have asthma. He can try anti-asthma medicines to see if they work on you.

Heartburn. Acid from your stomach may back up into your throat. This is called “acid reflux.” It can cause not only heartburn but also chronic cough. Cough caused by heartburn is common when you’re lying down.

Treatment

If you smoke, you should stop. Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement products.

If you have postnasal drip from allergens, visit an allergy doctor (allergologist) for him to find out elements and things that cause your allergy. In that way you’ll be able to avoid them.

Your doctor can change your medicine for your hypertension.

If you have asthma, your doctor will help you control your condition.

A high pillow can somehow help in acid reflux. Avoid eating and drinking before your bedtime. Ask your doctor about medicines indicated for acid reflux.

Lung infection is treated accordingly.