5 Reasons Why You Are Experiencing a Persistent Cough

If you are suffering from a cough that has lasted at least eight weeks, you have what the healthcare professionals call a persistent cough. Also known as a chronic or lingering cough, this is usually caused by another medical issue. Not only is a chronic cough annoying, but it can wear you down physically and affect your ability to sleep. If you can identify the symptoms and signs, you may learn what your cough means, which will help you get the proper treatment.

1. Postnasal Drip

The most common cause of a lingering cough is postnasal drip, which is when mucus drips down your throat due to overproduction. There are numerous conditions that cause postnasal drip. These include:

• Sinus infections
• Hay fever
• Nasal polyps
• Common cold

The treatment for postnasal drip varies based on the cause and severity. For a cold, a saline wash or steam bath may help break up congestion. Antihistamines or an air filter may help with allergy symptoms, and antibiotics may be necessary for a sinus infection.

2. GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common, and it occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This irritation can cause persistent coughing. Heartburn may accompany the cough, but not always. When the cough increases after eating or when lying down, it is a good guess that GERD is the cause.

The symptoms of GERD can be minimized if you change your diet and eat fewer acidic foods. It may also help to sleep with your head at an incline.

3. Asthma

For many people who suffer from asthma, a chronic cough is also usually accompanied by chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. However, there is a cough-variant asthma in which coughing is the only symptom. Asthma is often triggered by exercise, although other triggers include cold air exposure, seasonal changes, and certain fragrances.

Asthma may require the use of a prescription inhaler.

4. Infections

A persistent cough is common after an upper respiratory infection. If you have recently suffered from a cold, flu, or pneumonia, and the other symptoms have disappeared, you may still have a cough that lingers for weeks or even months. A chronic cough is also common after tuberculosis or fungal infections of the lung.

Natural remedies, such as tea with honey or the use of a humidifier, may help ease your chronic cough post-infection. You may also want to check out Brillia Health reviews for a remedy that may help decrease your cough’s duration without side effects.

5. Smoking

People who are chronic smokers often have a persistent cough. The actual cause of the cough is COPD, which is a chronic inflammation of the lungs. Some diseases that fall under the category of COPD are emphysema and bronchitis.

The best way to treat COPD and smoker’s cough is to stop smoking.

Knowing the Cause Can Help Bring Your Relief

If you have had a lingering cough, pay attention to what the cause may be. Although cough control medicine may help with symptoms in the short term, you should find and treat the cause of the issue for long-term relief.