Chronic Cough Symptom: Why It Happens & How to Manage It

Types of Chronic Cough

• Dry Cough: No mucus production, often triggered by irritants or allergies.
• Wet or Productive Cough: Produces mucus or phlegm, commonly due to infections or chronic lung conditions.
• Cough with Wheezing: May indicate asthma or COPD.
• Nocturnal Cough: Occurs mostly at night, often linked to asthma or GERD.

What Causes Chronic Cough?

Several factors contribute to chronic cough:

Respiratory Conditions

• Asthma: Inflammation and narrowing of the airways lead to coughing.
• Bronchiectasis: Abnormal widening of the bronchial tubes.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
• COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Fungal Infections: In the lungs, such as aspergillosis.
• Tuberculosis:A bacterial infection affecting the lungs.
• Upper Respiratory Infections: Flu, pneumonia, and colds.

Non-Respiratory Causes

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux irritates the throat.
• Allergies: Allergic rhinitis or postnasal drip.
• Medications: ACE inhibitors (a prescription medication).
• Sinus Conditions: Sinusitis or chronic sinus infections.
• Obesity: Especially excess weight around the stomach area.
• Environmental Irritants: Tobacco smoke, pollutants, or allergens.

What are the Symptoms of Chronic Cough?

Common symptoms associated with chronic cough include:

• Persistent Cough: Lasting more than eight weeks (adults) or four weeks (children).
• Throat Discomfort: Sore throat, frequent throat clearing, or a tickle in the back of the throat
• Other Signs:
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Heartburn
• Fever (if accompanied by other symptoms)

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a doctor if:

• The cough lasts longer than eight weeks (adults) or four weeks (children)
• You experience a Chronic Cough after eating
• There's coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss
• The cough is accompanied by high fever, breathlessness, or chest pain
• You have a history of smoking or lung disease

Diagnosis and Tests for Chronic Cough

To determine the cause of chronic cough, your doctor may recommend:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Chest X-ray or CT scan
• Lung function tests (spirometry)
• Allergy tests
• 24-hour pH monitoring (if GERD is suspected)
• Blood tests or sputum culture

Treatment and Management for Chronic Cough

Treat Underlying Causes

• Asthma: Inhalers, corticosteroids
• GERD: Acid reducers, dietary changes
• Infections: Antibiotics or antifungals
• Allergies: Antihistamines, nasal sprays

Medications

• Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or antihistamines

Speech Therapy

• For persistent cough due to throat irritation

Remember, chronic cough can vary in severity, and seeking professional advice is essential. If you experience alarming symptoms like coughing up blood or severe shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.

How to Prevent Chronic Cough?

While prevention may not always be possible, consider the following measures:

Lifestyle Changes

• Hydration: Intake of plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin helps in preventing chronic cough
• Avoid Irritants: Decrease exposure to triggers (e.g., smoke, pollutants)
• Quit Smoking: This can significantly improve your health and prevent cough
• Vaccination: Get vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis)

Home Remedies for Chronic Cough Treatment

Managing a chronic cough at home involves several strategies that may help alleviate symptoms. Remember that it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your cough and receive personalised advice. Here are some home remedies you can try:

Honey

• Effectiveness: Research suggests that honey may relieve coughs. It has both cough-suppressant and antibacterial properties.
• Usage: Swallow a spoonful of honey or add it to a hot drink like herbal tea

Ginger

• Effectiveness: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may ease a dry or asthmatic cough.
• Usage: Add ginger to dishes or drink it as ginger tea. Be cautious, as ginger tea can cause stomach upset or heartburn in some cases.

Hot Fluids

• Effectiveness: While research is limited, drinking warm liquids (such as hot tea) at room temperature may alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
• Usage: Opt for hot tea with lemon and honey or other warm beverages

Throat Soothers

• Hard Candy or Cough Drops: These can soothe your throat.
• Honey (for adults): It helps soothe irritation. However, honey should not be given to children under one-year-old due to the risk of bacterial contamination.

Moisturise the Air

• Cool-Mist Humidifier: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Regularly clean the water basin to prevent mold growth.

Avoid Irritants

• Tobacco Smoke: If you smoke, consider quitting.
• Environmental Pollutants: Minimize exposure to smoke, dust, and other irritants.

Remember that individual responses to these remedies may vary, and it's essential to monitor your symptoms. If your chronic cough persists or worsens, seek a professional medical evaluation.