treating and managing chronic cough, A chronic cough, also known as a persistent cough, is a cough that lasts for more than eight weeks and is often caused by underlying conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
A chronic cough can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to perform daily activities and causing sleep problems at night. Treatment typically involves inhaled medications containing bronchodilators.
Symptoms of a Chronic Cough
A chronic cough can be wet, dry, or productive (with phlegm). Common symptoms of a chronic cough include:
- Postnasal drip (the sensation of fluid dripping down the back of the throat).
- Runny or blocked nose.
- Heartburn.
- Shortness of breath and chest pain.
- Sore throat.
- High fever.
- Night sweats.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
What are the causes of a chronic cough
The cause of a chronic cough varies depending on the patient's condition. It can stem from minor issues or more serious problems. Common causes of chronic cough include:
- Asthma, especially when accompanied by coughing.
- Bacterial bronchitis.
- Exposure to environmental irritants such as dust or pet dander.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Breath-retardant nasal congestion.
- Whooping cough.
- Taking certain medications to
- treat high blood pressure.
- Smoking.
- Bronchiolitis.
Treatment for Chronic Cough
Treatment for a chronic cough depends on the underlying cause. A doctor may prescribe inhaled medications containing bronchodilators to treat asthma or COPD, or antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
Antacids or H2 receptor antagonists may be prescribed to treat chronic cough caused by acid reflux. Decongestants are used to relieve sinus congestion, and expectorants may be prescribed to treat chronic coughs with phlegm.
Medications for chronic cough
- Bronchopro syrup.
- Muco SR capsules.
- Cufleve syrup.
- Vegaskine D tablets.
- Notussil syrup.
- Rhinotus syrup.
- Bisolvon tablets.
- Butalin nasal spray.
Methods of diagnosing chronic cough
The doctor diagnoses chronic cough based on symptoms and a physical examination, including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope. In some cases, tests may be ordered to aid diagnosis. These tests include:
- Taking a sputum sample to check for blood or cancerous cells.
- Chest X-rays or CT scans to identify problems within the lungs or airways.
- Bronchoscopy to look for signs of irritation.
How to manage a chronic cough
Here are some tips to help relieve the symptoms of a chronic cough at home:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids, such as hot tea, to help thin mucus.
- Sucking on lozenges to soothe a cough.
- Using a humidifier.
- Using a saline nasal spray to help drain mucus.
- Avoid overeating, especially before bed, if you suffer from acid reflux.
- Take a hot shower or inhale steam.
- Quit smoking.
Natural herbs for treating a chronic cough
Some natural herbs can help relieve the severity of a chronic cough:
- Ginger, which has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the throat and relieve a dry cough.
- Chamomile, which has soothing and antispasmodic properties to help calm a dry cough.
- Thyme, which has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to relieve a dry cough.
- Peppermint soothes throat irritation and improves breathing.
- Licorice is effective in expelling phlegm.
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.
Article Summary
Chronic cough is a persistent cough that can last for 8 weeks or more and is caused by asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or bronchitis.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A doctor may prescribe bronchodilators for asthma or COPD, or antibiotics for bacterial infections.