Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks in adults and more than 4 weeks in children. It is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and environmental irritants.

Causes of Chronic Cough

• Respiratory Infections: Viral or bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis can cause a chronic cough.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions to dust, mold, pet dander, or pollen can trigger a chronic cough.
• Asthma: Asthma is a common cause of chronic cough, especially in children and young adults.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus can irritate the throat and cause a chronic cough.
• Environmental Irritants: Exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, or other environmental irritants can cause a chronic cough.
• Medications: Certain medications such as ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure can cause a chronic cough as a side effect.

Symptoms of Chronic Cough

The symptoms of chronic cough can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Coughing that lasts for more than 8 weeks in adults and more than 4 weeks in children
• Producing mucus or phlegm when coughing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Hoarseness or a change in voice

Diagnosis of Chronic Cough

To diagnose the cause of chronic cough, a doctor will typically perform a physical examination and take a medical history. The doctor may also order diagnostic tests such as:

• Chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan to evaluate the lungs and airways
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung function
• Allergy testing to identify potential allergens
• Endoscopy or bronchoscopy to visualize the throat, esophagus, or airways
• Laboratory tests such as blood work or sputum analysis to check for infections or other conditions

Treatment of Chronic Cough

The treatment of chronic cough depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments include:

• Antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat respiratory infections
• Asthma medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids to control asthma symptoms
• Medications to reduce stomach acid and alleviate GERD symptoms
• Allergy medications or immunotherapy to manage allergies
• Cough suppressants or expectorants to relieve cough symptoms
• Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding environmental irritants, and staying hydrated to help manage chronic cough

Complications of Chronic Cough

If left untreated, chronic cough can lead to complications such as:

• Sleep disturbances or fatigue due to persistent coughing
• Social isolation or embarrassment due to frequent coughing
• Chest pain or rib fractures from severe coughing
• Respiratory failure or pneumonia in severe cases

Prevention of Chronic Cough

To prevent chronic cough, it is essential to:

• Practice good hygiene such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections
• Avoid exposure to environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution
• Manage allergies and asthma through medication and lifestyle changes
• Stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise