Chronic Coughing: Understanding the Causes and Treatments

Everyone coughs from time to time. Whether you have something stuck in your throat or you’re just getting over a cold, a short-term cough can be an annoying but easily ignored symptom. However, when coughing persists for longer than eight weeks, it may be time to see an ENT provider.

Symptoms of Chronic Cough

Chronic coughing is one of the most common reasons for healthcare visits. It is usually a symptom of another condition, rather than a condition itself. Occasionally, however, it may present without an underlying cause. A few symptoms you may notice alongside chronic coughing include a stuffy or runny nose, heartburn, sore throat, fever and postnasal drip (mucus dripping into your throat from your nostrils).

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience more serious symptoms, including but not limited to weight loss, coughing up blood or phlegm, long-lasting hoarseness, excessive sweating, wheezing or shortness of breath.  

Risk Factors for Chronic Cough

Certain factors and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing chronic coughing, including smoking, allergies, environmental irritants (pollution, strong chemicals etc.), frequent respiratory infections, postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux, blood pressure medication and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What Happens if You Ignore a Chronic Cough?

Ignoring a chronic cough can disrupt your life in more ways than you might initially think. Nonstop coughing can lead to sleep disruption, sore throat, headache, loss of bladder control, bleeding in the eye, hernia, fainting and even cracked ribs. Because the side effects can be severe, identifying and treating the underlying cause is crucial to your overall health.

How Is Chronic Cough Diagnosed and Treated?

Your ENT provider will diagnose your chronic cough based on your symptoms, medical history, lab and imaging tests and a physical exam. If an underlying condition causes the cough, they will begin by treating it. For example, if allergies cause your cough, your provider may recommend medication or allergen avoidance. In addition to medical treatment, you can help relieve the symptoms of your cough at home with the following methods:

• Drink plenty of water or healthy beverages from Pressed Juicery
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Prop your head up on pillows when you sleep
• Use cough lozenges

If you have a persistent cough or a cough accompanied by other symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact for expert care.