Are you one of the many people who have a chronic cough that just won’t go away? You’re not alone. A chronic cough can be frustrating and can keep you from living a normal life. While there can be many reasons why your chronic cough is not going away, here are some of the most common ones:
-Allergies or asthma
-Smoking or exposure to smoke
-Colds or other respiratory infections
-Sinus problems
-Acid reflux
If you are experiencing a chronic cough, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause and to get the appropriate treatment.
What are the key features of the cough?
Chronic cough is defined as a cough that lasts for more than eight weeks. There are many potential causes of a chronic cough, including Bronchitis, Asthma, and Cystic Fibrosis. The key features of a chronic cough are that it is long-lasting and persistent, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest congestion, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Chronic cough can be treated in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause. If the cause is Bronchitis, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear up the infection. If the cause is Asthma, medications such as inhalers and steroids may be prescribed to help control the symptoms. If the cause is Cystic Fibrosis
Possible causes of the chronic cough
There are many potential causes of a chronic cough, including environmental and lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and medications.
Some common environmental and lifestyle causes of a chronic cough include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and dust or pollen.
Medical conditions that can cause a chronic cough include asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections, and GERD.
Medications that can cause a chronic cough include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and beta blockers.
Treatment for a chronic cough depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is unknown or cannot be determined, treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms. Treatment may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and
Reflux
There are several potential causes of a chronic cough, the most common of which is reflux. When acid from the stomach leaks up into the esophagus, it can cause irritation and a persistent cough. Other possible causes of a chronic cough include bronchitis, asthma, and allergies.
If the cause of your chronic cough is reflux, your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. You may also need to make changes to your diet, such as avoiding spicy or acidic foods. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.
Asthma
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for more than eight weeks. There are many potential causes of a chronic cough, including asthma. If you have asthma, your airways may become inflamed and swollen. This can cause a chronic cough.
Treatment for asthma depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you have mild asthma, you may only need to take over-the-counter medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators. If you have moderate or severe asthma, you may need to take prescription medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the airways that lead to the lungs. The most common symptom of bronchitis is a cough that persists for more than two weeks. Other symptoms can include chest congestion, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis is typically treated with antibiotics and over-the-counter cough medications. If the cough is severe, or if it is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, then it is important to seek medical attention.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is one of the most common causes of a chronic cough. It is an inflammation of the sinuses, which can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, or a structural problem. Symptoms include a cough, nasal congestion, facial pressure, and a fever. Treatment includes antibiotics for a bacterial infection, antihistamines for allergies, and surgery for a structural problem.
Correcting a Cough
The first step to ending a chronic cough is to get the correct medication. This can be a long and difficult process, but once you get on track, you can feel better about life. Some people don’t notice that their cough is getting worse as they go through the years.
