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.
Call your doctor if your cough (or your child's cough) doesn't go away after a few weeks or if it also involves any one of these: Coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm. Wheezing. Experiencing a fever.
A lingering cough can result from many conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, acid reflux, or chronic allergies. Natural remedies, such as drinking tea with honey or inhaling essential oils, can help. You may also need over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications, depending on the cause.
But how long would a cough have to last before I should see a doctor? A. Medically speaking, a persistent (or chronic) cough is one that lasts more than three to four weeks. The most common reason for a new cough is an upper respiratory infection from the common cold, which is usually caused by a virus.
It's more likely to be asthma if your cough is accompanied by other asthma symptoms, like wheezing, breathlessness or chest tightness. Not everyone with asthma coughs. If you do cough it's usually dry, or someone with uncontrolled asthma might have thick clear mucus when they cough.
WHAT CAUSES A TICKLY COUGH? Tickly coughs are most often caused by a recent cold or flu, known as a post-viral cough. If this is the case, you will likely experience other cold and flu-like symptoms too. Other tickly cough causes include allergies, air pollution or a sudden change in temperature.
If you have a persistent cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks or is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
The four main types of coughs are: wet, dry, paroxysmal and croup. Most coughs do go away on their own. Home remedies and over-the-counter cough medicines can help relieve symptoms.
You should see your doctor if you experience any of the following: If you have a persistent cough lasting longer than 3 weeks and especially if it has gone on over 8 weeks. Coughing up thick greenish-yellow mucus/phlegm. Wheezing.
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.
In most cases, OTC medications such as cough suppressants, decongestants, and lozenges can help decrease a dry cough. Prescription medication may relieve symptoms if the cough becomes chronic. Home remedies, such as honey and marshmallow root extract may also reduce the effect of a dry cough.
A cough that expels mucus (also known as phlegm) from your airways is called a productive, wet, or chesty cough because it serves a function. A cough that does not produce mucus and serves no useful purpose is called a non-productive or dry cough. It can also disrupt much-needed sleep, leaving you exhausted.
What is a heart cough? In heart failure, your heart muscle has dysfunction that might be due to weak contraction or stiffness. This can allow fluid to back up in yout lungs, creating a condition called pulmonary edema. Your body coughs persistently in an effort to eliminate the excess fluid.
What is an asthma cough sound? Most people with asthma have a dry cough, one that does not produce mucous. This happens when the airways constrict in response to an irritant and is a feature of asthma. As well as the cough there is often a high-pitched wheeze sound that is also caused by the constricted airway.
Signs and symptoms
The most obvious symptom of acute bronchitis is a short-term dry hacking cough, which can become a productive cough that produces white or yellow sputum. Wheezing and shortness of breath may also be present.
Signs and symptoms of a chest infection
The main symptoms of a chest infection can include: a persistent cough. coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood. breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing.
Coughing often worsens at night because a person is lying flat in bed. Mucus can pool in the back of the throat and cause coughing. Sleeping with the head elevated can reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip and GERD. Both can cause coughing at night.