It may be really annoying to have a cough that won’t go away for weeks or even months, even with cough syrups and rest. A lot of people think that a cough will go away like a regular cold, but when it doesn’t, they feel more upset. Most coughs are caused by a virus or infection in the lungs, but if the symptoms last more than a few days, it might be something worse. Some causes aren’t clear, which makes it impossible to figure out what’s wrong without further information. When the cause of a persistent cough is recognized, it’s straightforward to treat and get rid of.
Acid Reflux Can Trigger a Lingering Cough
If you have a cough that won’t go away, it might be because of acid reflux. When stomach acid seeps into the esophagus, it can make the throat hurt and cause a cough that lasts for a long time. People also call this laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or silent reflux, and it doesn’t always induce heartburn. The acid can irritate the voice box and airway, which might make you cough, especially at night or after eating. Even a small amount of reflux might make the upper airway react. People with this disease often feel that there is a lump in their throats or clean their throats a lot. It could help to change your lifestyle by eating smaller meals, avoiding snacking late at night, and sleeping with your head up. Prescribed medications can also lower acid production.
Postnasal Drip Is Often Overlooked
Chronic drainage from the sinuses can silently seep down the back of the throat, making it continuously irritated. This makes the individual cough, even if they don’t feel stuffy. Allergies, changes in the weather, sinus infections, or anything that irritates the skin, including smoke and dust, might be to blame. It could feel like a tickling in the throat or the need to clear it. The mucus from postnasal drip might get thicker, especially when it’s dry. Breaking the pattern may be as simple as drinking more water, using a humidifier, and treating the source, such as allergies. Sometimes, nasal sprays or antihistamines are needed to help the sinuses relax and stop the mucus from flowing.
Some Prescription Drugs May Be The Cause
Some medicines that are given for other health problems have a chronic cough as a side effect. ACE inhibitors, a type of medicine that is widely used to treat high blood pressure, are one prominent cause. These drugs can make you cough dryly and hackingly, which may not start until weeks or even months after you start taking them. After a few days to weeks of using a different medicine, the cough normally goes away. Healthcare specialists can help figure out what is wrong and change the medication if necessary. Before stopping a medicine, always talk to a healthcare professional.
Chronic Cough Can Point to Underlying Conditions
Sometimes a persistent cough means that there is a bigger health concern. Asthma is a common disorder that causes patients to cough or wheeze. Chronic bronchitis, which is a kind of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or even early signs of lung disease, are possibilities. Exercise, cold air, or anything that makes you cough, like perfume or smoke, could make it worse. A chronic cough might also be an indication of a more serious illness, like a mass pushing on the airway, although this is very unusual. If the cause isn’t clear, a chest X-ray or lung function test could help. Early diagnosis makes it more probable that you’ll find a treatment that works for a long period.
How to Get Relief and When to Ask for Help
You should consult a healthcare professional if you develop a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks. The first step is gathering a comprehensive medical history and physical exam, which includes questions about drugs, things in the environment that can set them off, and symptoms. After that, you can be directed to a lung specialist or an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Allergy testing, endoscopy, or imaging may be done to figure out what’s wrong. Make an appointment for an assessment to obtain answers and feel better. If you wait too long, the cough can grow worse.