While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that's triggering a chronic cough, the most common causes are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux. Fortunately, chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.
Dozens of conditions can cause a recurrent, lingering cough, but the lion's share are caused by just five: postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis, and treatment with ACE inhibitors, used for high blood pressure and heart failure.
Infectious causes
Viral: Viral infections can produce mucus in the airways that drips down the back of the throat triggering coughing fits. The common cold and flu are examples of a viral infections that can be associated with coughing fits.
Coughs that persist after a common cold or other upper respiratory infection are called post-infectious or post-viral coughs. They can linger for three to eight weeks after a viral infection. There are two common causes of a post-viral cough in adults: Postnasal drip, when mucus drains into your throat.
Use honey.
Ginger tea soothes throat inflammation. Eucalyptus oil: Use it in a vaporizer or rub it on your chest to help break up mucus. Mint: Often taken as tea, it helps loosen mucus in the lungs. Menthol is commonly found in lozenges, and it can soothe a cough.
Most tickly coughs don't require medical attention and will usually clear up on their own within three to four weeks. However, take care and seek the help of a pharmacist or your GP if your cough persists for longer than this or gets worse, as asthma, heartburn or heart failure can be indicated by a tickly cough.
At times, coughing can be very forceful. Prolonged, vigorous coughing can irritate the lungs and cause even more coughing. It is also exhausting and can cause sleeplessness, dizziness or fainting, headaches, urinary incontinence, vomiting, and even broken ribs.
There are many ways to get rid of a dry cough, which is a cough that doesn't bring up any mucus or phlegm. You can treat it using kitchen remedies such as raw honey or garlic, trying an over-the-counter medication, or using herbal remedies like licorice root or marjoram.
If your cough seems to worsen once you lie flat, try propping up your head and neck. Use a wedge pillow or multiple bed pillows to make yourself comfortable while lying in a position that keeps your head elevated above the rest of your body.
Yes, you can cough at night, and a persistent nighttime cough could be an indication of serious medical conditions. Practicing good oral hygiene and having regular checkups at your Aberdeen, NC general dentist's office will help keep a nice balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth and lungs.
A bronchitis cough sounds like a rattle with a wheezing or whistling sound. As your condition progresses, you will first have a dry cough that can then progress towards coughing up white mucus.
Over time, symptoms could get worse. You might develop a higher fever. Your dry cough could also become wet, causing you to cough up discolored phlegm. “With a virus, symptoms typically run their course in about three to four days—five days at the most.
Some found relief from coughing or repetitive swallowing i.e. sucking sweets, chewing gum or sipping drinks. Swallowing transiently inhibits coughing but the mechanisms are not well understood.
Hold your breath for a few seconds. When you start breathing again take slow, smooth breaths for at least 30 seconds, while keeping your hand over your mouth. 4. Tell yourself that you are not going to cough.
Sometimes it might not have a clear cause. "A cough is considered chronic if it persists longer than eight weeks," explains Dr. Safdar. "At that point, we start to worry whether the cause might be a chronic health condition that needs to be addressed."
Speak to a GP if:
your cough is particularly severe. you cough up blood. you experience shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or chest pain. you have any other worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in your voice, or lumps or swellings in your neck.