Chronic Cough

A cough lasting eight weeks or longer is considered chronic. A chronic cough can disrupt your sleep and affect your work. It may include other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, congestion and heartburn.

If you have a cough that lasts more than a month, make an appointment with your ear nose and throat physician.

What Causes Chronic Cough?

A cough is your body’s way of expelling a substance that is irritating the air passages. A variety of factors may trigger your chronic cough. These include:

• Postnasal drip.
• Asthma.
• Allergies.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Upper respiratory tract infections.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (includes bronchitis and emphysema).
• Pertussis (whooping cough).
• Air pollution.
• ACE inhibitors (found in some medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).
• A2RB’s (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers).
• Smokers are most at risk for developing a chronic cough, as are those exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.

How Is a Chronic Cough Evaluated and Treated?

After asking about your medical history, your doctor will perform a thorough head and neck exam. This exam might include a procedure known as a laryngoscopy to examine your larynx, in addition to possible imaging tests as well. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. If medications are prescribed, they may include:

• Antihistamines.
• Decongestants.
• Asthma drugs.
• Antibiotics.
• Acid blockers.
• Cough suppressants.

Diet and lifestyle changes are often very effective as well.