Persistent Cough – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Postnasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat can irritate the airways and trigger a cough.
• Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow to the lungs, often caused by smoking.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can irritate the airways and cause a cough.
• Infections: A lingering cough can follow a viral upper respiratory infection (like a cold or flu). Less commonly, bacterial infections like pneumonia or whooping cough can cause a persistent cough.
• Allergies: Allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can trigger a cough.
• Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure), can cause a chronic cough as a side effect.
• Lung Diseases: Conditions like interstitial lung disease or lung cancer can cause a persistent cough.

Diagnosis:

• Medical History: Gathering information about the onset, duration, nature of the cough, any other symptoms, and relevant medical history.
• Physical Exam: Listening to the lungs and examining the throat and nose.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Measure how well the lungs are working.
• Chest X-ray: To visualize the lungs and check for any abnormalities.
• Sputum Tests: If you are producing phlegm, a sample may be tested for infection.
• Bronchoscopy: A procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the airways to visualize them.

Treatment:

• Treatment for Underlying Cause: The best treatment for a persistent cough is to address the underlying cause.
• Cough Suppressants: Over-the-counter cough medicines may provide temporary relief, but are generally not recommended for chronic coughs unless the cause is known.
• Expectorants: Medications that can help loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
• Inhalers: Used to deliver medications directly to the lungs, such as bronchodilators for asthma or COPD.
• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
• Lifestyle Changes: Staying hydrated, avoiding irritants like smoke, and managing any underlying conditions can help improve a cough.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a healthcare professional for any persistent cough, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, or coughing up blood.
• Do not self-treat a persistent cough without consulting a doctor, as the underlying cause needs to be identified for effective treatment.