1. Chronic Irritations Lead to Cough
The possible causes for persistent cough are extensive, although pulmonary conditions such as asthma, emphysema or lung cancer, which irritate the lungs on a chronic basis, can be an underlying concern. Doctors also attribute persistent cough to conditions not associated with the lungs, such as acid reflux and heart disease.
2. Makes Socializing a Drag
People affected by persistent cough may experience associated complications. Symptoms of persistent cough may include a runny nose, drainage into the back of the throat, wheezing, difficulty with breathing, heartburn or coughing up blood. They may also experience headaches and dizziness, inability to sleep and social isolation. Many people fear going out in public for the embarrassment that persistent cough causes, as it can lead to incontinence, difficulty with eating or unavoidable interruption. Also, other people may treat the individual as having a contagious illness.
3. Women and Smokers Beware
You may be at risk for developing persistent cough if you smoke, are a woman, have allergies or live in a polluted environment. Smoking is a leading factor of persistent cough and "smoker's cough" may be an early-warning sign for developing emphysema, an irreversible disease of the lungs. Women are more susceptible to persistent cough because of their sensitivity to allergens, such as dust, pollen, pet dander and toxic cleaning products.
4. Diagnosing Persistent Cough
If you experience a cough that lasts more than eight weeks or is disruptive to your sleep or daytime life, see your doctor. If you are coughing up blood, see your doctor immediately. Through a complete medical history and physical exam, your doctor will be able to help determine the cause of your persistent cough. Dependent on the information you provide your doctor, he may conduct a series of medical evaluations including, but not limited to, allergen tests, chest x-rays or an endoscopy, which is a test to check for acid reflux.
5. Treat the Right Cough
Your doctor will suggest various courses of treatment. In instances when he suspects that allergies or post-nasal drip is causing your persistent cough, an over the counter decongestant or antihistamine may be enough to cure the cough. Other home remedies include using saline drops in your nose and sleeping with a humidifier close to your bed. Your doctor may also treat you with an inhaled steroid, especially if you have asthma. If acid reflux is to blame, you may need to change your lifestyle by eating healthier foods, exercising and maintaining an ideal weight. You may also need to take medication to reduce the production of stomach acid. If you smoke, ask for help in finding a treatment program.
