Chronic coughing is a persistent health issue that can significantly impact your quality of life. A cough is considered chronic when it lasts longer than eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children. Let’s take a look at a few common causes of chronic coughing and how to manage them.
Causes of Chronic Coughing
A few of the most common causes of chronic coughing include:
- Asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed and narrowed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and chronic coughing. Multiple factors, including allergens, cold air or exercise, can trigger asthma-related coughs.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing a persistent cough. Symptoms often include heartburn, chest pain and regurgitation of food or sour liquid.
- Postnasal drip. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, leading to irritation and a chronic cough. Many people describe the sensation as feeling that they always need to clear their throat. Common causes include allergies, sinus infections, GERD and the common cold.
Treatments for Chronic Coughing
To effectively treat chronic coughing, it’s crucial to tackle the root cause. Let’s dive into some treatments for the most common culprits.
GERD treatments include:
- Lifestyle Changes. Avoid foods and beverages that trigger reflux, eat smaller meals and avoid lying down after eating.
- Medications. Antacids, H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce acid production and help manage symptoms.
- Surgery. In severe cases, surgical options like fundoplication may be recommended to prevent acid reflux.
Asthma management tools include:
- Inhalers. Bronchodilators and steroid inhalers help open airways and reduce inflammation to minimize symptoms.
- Avoiding triggers. Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers can help prevent symptoms. For example, if pollen triggers your asthma, steer clear of Greer City Park when pollen levels are high.
Postnasal drip treatment includes but is not limited to:
- Allergy medication. Decongestants, nasal sprays and antihistamines can reduce mucus production and alleviate symptoms.
- Saline rinse. Flushing your sinuses with a nasal saline rinse can help clear the passages and reduce mucus dripping.
Because chronic coughing is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, early treatment is crucial. If you have a prolonged cough or a cough accompanied by other symptoms, contact Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy to discuss your symptoms with one of our specialists.
