Coughing is a common symptom of many disorders, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Possible causes of coughing include upper and lower respiratory infections, medications called ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, irritants such as smoking and air pollution, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bronchitis, foreign bodies in the airways, and cancer. Coughing also can result from a serious illness and should be evaluated by a physician.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is one of the top three causes of a cough, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. Postnasal drip refers to the accumulation of mucus in the space behind the nose due to increased production or blocked drainage. It can result in discomfort, bad breath and chronic cough. Causes of postnasal drip include acute or chronic sinus inflammation or infection, allergies, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, foreign bodies in the nose, and tooth impactions. In children, enlarged adenoids that block mucus drainage are a common cause.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a very contagious infection of the respiratory tract, explains MayoClinic.com. Children are routinely vaccinated to prevent whooping cough, but cases are increasing in all age groups as outbreaks continue to occur. Whooping cough is characterized by a severe hacking cough followed by a "whooping" sound during the intake of breath. Early symptoms include red, watery eyes, nasal congestion and a dry cough. In seven to 14 days, the cough becomes very severe and produces thick mucus. Infants are at risk for serious complications including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death. Treatment includes antibiotics and cough-relieving medicine.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a contagious bacterial infection that commonly occurs in the lungs but can affect any organ, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected people spread TB bacteria through the air by coughing, sneezing or singing. Symptoms include a serious cough that produces mucus or blood and lasts longer than three weeks, night sweats, chest pain, loss of appetite and weight loss. TB can be fatal if not treated properly.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine. Between 80 and 90 percent of those affected by the disorder are smokers. Causes include smoking, working in dusty environments and frequent respiratory infections. Chronic bronchitis causes coughing that may sound deeper upon awakening and produces yellowish mucus. Shortness of breath and wheezing can occur. Eventually, symptoms become so severe that activity is limited. Treatment includes removing the source of irritation, such as stopping smoking and using medications that open and relax the airways. Chronic bronchitis is one of the two main forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, along with emphysema. There is no cure for COPD; it is an ongoing illness that may worsen over time, especially if smoking continues.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is one of the most common causes of a cough in both children and adults, according to the American Association of Family Physicians. GERD can cause chronic coughing, and chronic coughing can also cause GERD. Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus causes coughing. Medications called proton-pump inhibitors can control GERD and related coughing. In cases where GERD is caused by coughing, the underlying cause of the cough needs to be treated.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Whooping Cough
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Evaluation of the Patient With Chronic Cough
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Basic TB Facts
- PennState Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine: Chronic Bronchitis
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Causes of Postnasal Drip
