A chronic cough is one that lasts eight weeks or longer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chronic coughing can interrupt everyday life including sleeping and working. Medical examination is helpful in identifying the source of the cough. Individuals should report additional symptoms that accompany the cough to assist in diagnosis. It is necessary to treat the underlying cause to cure the cough.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip occurs when normal mucus drainage becomes noticeable. On a daily basis the nose, sinuses and throat produce mucus. This mucus goes unnoticed even as it is swallowed. When the mucus becomes thicker or greater in quantity, it can lead to several other side effects, including a chronic cough, according to the Mayo Clinic. Postnasal drip can be caused by allergies, such as dust, pollen, mold, pets and chemicals.
Asthma
Asthma typically includes wheezing and shortness of breath. One specific type of asthma, hyperactive airways disease, causes only a cough. This cough can be triggered by exposure to allergens, cold air and other environmental irritants.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back up the esophagus, the tube that connects the stomach to the mouth. The acid can irritate the throat, causing a cough.
Smoking
Smoking can cause a persistent cough, according to FamilyDoctor.org. The heat from the inhaled smoke and the smoke itself can cause throat and lung irritation. The irritation is likely to cause coughing. One complication of smoking that can lead to a chronic cough is chronic bronchitis. The Mayo Clinic describes this as a long-standing inflammation of the major airways that leads to congestion, breathlessness, wheezing and a cough that brings up colored sputum. Chronic bronchitis can affect nonsmokers and individuals who used to smoke.
Medicines
FamilyDoctor.org points out that some medications can cause a chronic cough. This includes angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for high blood pressure, commonly called ACE inhibitors. If the cough is bothersome and the medication is prescribed for long term use, individuals should consult a doctor to see if an alternative drug is available.
Serious Lung Conditions
Two serious lung conditions can cause a chronic cough and several other symptoms. Bronchiectasis is one condition that occurs because the bronchial tubes are abnormally wide, which inhibits their ability to keep mucus from the lungs. Lung cancer can also cause chronic coughing.
