Chronic Cough

Here are some recommendations to consider that could help reduce discomfort. Talk to your Doctor about it.

The Chronic Cough should be treated as it can trigger various complications and discomfort. In adults, the duration is more than eight weeks, and in children, they are usually four weeks.

Some of the problems that can occur with chronic cough are sleep problems and fatigue. In severe cases, the affected person may present with vomiting, confusion, or even a broken rib.

In most cases, Chronic Cough disappears through treatment.

Causes

Occasional sporadic cough is normal, helps the body to eliminate irritants, keeps the airways and throat clear, also helps prevent infections.

Chronic Cough is usually the result of a condition. We group some of the causes:

Postnasal drip, caused by excess mucus, drips down the back of the throat and causes a cough reflex.
Asthma
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Diseases of the respiratory tract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prevents airflow from the lungs.
Blood pressure medications
The following less common causes, however, chronic cough can occur from:
Aspiration (food in adults; foreign bodies in children)
Bronchiectasis (dilated and affected airways)
Bronchiolitis (irritation of the tiny airways of the lung)
Eosinophilic bronchitis without asthma (irritation of the airways not caused by asthma)
Lung Cancer
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Cystic fibrosis
Laryngopharyngeal reflux
Sarcoidosis causes inflammation in the lungs, liver, lymph nodes and other body tissues

Symptoms

In Chronic Cough, the following symptoms can occur:

Heartburn
Clearing
Runny or runny nose
Shortness of breath and wheezing
Sore throat
Hoarseness
Fluid feeling down the back of the throat
Coughing up blood (rare)

Risk factor's

Smoking is one of the main risk factors for chronic cough; smokers or ex-smokers are more likely to suffer from this disease. Being exposed to smoke regularly can also cause coughing and lung damage.

Diagnosis of Chronic Cough

The Pulmonologist will make questions based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history and a physical exam and.

Most doctors decide to start treatment taking into account the most common causes of chronic cough. If the treatment doesn't work, you can be tested for other reasons.

We group some of the possible tests that could be carried out:

Laboratory analysis
Liver function analysis helps to check if you can breathe correctly before and after inhaling the methacholine medicine
Endoscopic studies, in case the doctor does not detect any cause for your cough, this type of test can be considered, to look for other possible causes
Tomography (CT), allows you to visualize the lungs and detect if there is any damage that can cause chronic cough or sinus cavities, looking for pockets of infection
X-rays

Treatment of Chronic Cough

Knowing the cause of chronic cough is vital for effective treatment. In many cases, there is more than one disease that may be causing your chronic cough.

In case you smoke, the doctor will review your willingness to quit with you, helping you to do so.

Medications recommended to treat chronic cough may include:
Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants
Antibiotics
Inhaled asthma medications
Acid blockers
Cough suppressants are drugs that are responsible for blocking the production of acid. In some cases, surgery is necessary to fix the problem.

Living with Chronic Cough

Follow the treatment provided by your doctor.

Here are some recommendations to consider that could help reduce discomfort:

Drink liquids, hot liquids help ease throat discomfort
Consume honey (a small tablespoon of honey can help loosen the cough). Honey is not recommended for children under one year
Use throat lozenges or lozenges
Use a cold steam humidifier or take a steam shower
Avoid tobacco smoke

¿When should I see a doctor?

It's important to consult a specialist in Pulmonology to diagnose Chronic Cough and to be able to start a treatment that helps you control your symptoms.

This condition should not be taken lightly and should be diagnosed and treated by a specialist physician.

When consulting your Pulmonologist, try to record your pain with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking.

Do You Need an Appointment with a Specialist?
call us
write us
let's talk

Chronic Cough

Here are some recommendations to consider that could help reduce discomfort. Talk to your Doctor about it.

Airway-Obstruction

Pneumonia

COPD

Chronic Cough

Here are some recommendations to consider that could help reduce discomfort. Talk to your Doctor about it.

Health Library

Pneumology