Chronic and persistent coughing can be difficult to diagnose as well as uncomfortable and inconvenient for the person with the cough. A cough can last from a few weeks to a few years and create problems with sleeping and incontinence, cause chest pain and social and work-related issues, notes the National Lung Health Education Program.. A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts for more then three weeks.
Smoking
The most common cause of long-term coughing episodes is chronic bronchitis because of cigarette and cigar smoking. While most smokers become accustomed to the chronic cough, they tend to seek medical help when other complications arise, such as sinusitis or dyspnea, a condition that affects breathing. Uncomfortable breathing should be checked immediately for signs of an embolism, pneumonia or other life-threatening illness. While quitting smoking can alleviate the chronic coughing, a period of increased coughing often occurs. The Mayo Clinic reports that excess coughing is temporary after quitting smoking as the cilia in the bronchial tubes become restored. The coughing should cease in about eight weeks. If coughing lasts longer than two months, or if there is blood present when coughing, a doctor should be consulted.
Non-smokers
Nonsmokers who present with a chronic cough and have a normal chest X-ray may suffer from any number of other conditions. Post-nasal drip is the most common cause of chronic coughing in nonsmokers. Patients typically report a constant tickle in the throat and sinus drainage. Coughing is often the only symptom present and is usually cleared up with antihistamines and steroids. Asthma patients often suffer from a chronic dry cough, especially at night. Bronchodialators and corticosteroids are used to treat asthmatic coughing. A post-viral infection in the lungs can cause severe chronic coughing for up to six weeks and may require narcotic medication to relieve the coughing and prevent damage to the airways. Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) is another common cause of chronic coughing that is usually triggered by an acid reflux episode. By treating the GERD and adding changes to the diet, the cough usually abates. Various heart medications have shown side effects that include a chronic cough. The cough usually disappears about two weeks after the drugs are discontinued.
Disease
Lung cancer, and benign and malignant tumors in the respiratory tract can cause chronic coughing. More serious diagnoses such as cancer are often considered when suggested treatments for common causes of coughing do not work. Cases of chronic coughing have shown to be habitual and psychosomatic, but a diagnosis based on mental health issues often is the last to be formed. While the doctor goes through the process of elimination to find the cause of the cough, patients may be advised to take over-the-counter and prescription medicines to relieve the symptoms. Expectorants, inhalers, steam, cough drops and hard candies can be effective in diminishing the cough while the source is being investigated, Prescription codeine also may be given.
