Causes of Chronic Cough

Chronic cough, lasting for more than eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children, can have various causes. Common causes include:

1. Postnasal drip: Excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, leading to irritation and coughing. This can result from allergies or sinus infections.

2. Asthma: Chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways can cause coughing, especially at night or after exposure to triggers like smoke, pollen, or pet dander.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can irritate the throat and cause coughing, particularly when lying down or after eating.

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which can cause a persistent cough, often with mucus.

5. Smoking: Tobacco smoke irritates the airways and can lead to a chronic cough, even after quitting.

6. Infections: Persistent cough can result from respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis.

7. Medications: Some medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, can cause a chronic cough as a side effect.

8. Lung conditions: Other lung diseases, such as interstitial lung disease or bronchiectasis, can lead to chronic coughing.

9. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental irritants like pollution, dust, or strong fumes can lead to a persistent cough.

10. Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander can cause a chronic cough.

11. Non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis: This condition is similar to asthma but doesn’t involve the typical asthma symptoms.

12. ACE inhibitors: Some blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can cause a chronic cough as a side effect.

13. Interstitial lung disease: This group of lung disorders causes scarring of lung tissue, leading to cough and shortness of breath.

If you’re experiencing a chronic cough, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Certainly! Here is more detailed information on the common causes of chronic cough:

1. Postnasal drip: This occurs when excessive mucus production from the nose drips down the back of the throat, leading to irritation and coughing. It can be caused by allergies, sinus infections, or non-allergic rhinitis. Treatment may include antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal steroids.

2. Asthma: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Triggers such as allergens, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections can lead to asthma symptoms. Treatment includes bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and coughing. Treatment includes lifestyle changes (e.g., avoiding trigger foods, losing weight) and medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) to reduce acid reflux.

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It causes airflow limitation and can result in a chronic cough with mucus production. Treatment includes bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy.

5. Smoking: Smoking irritates the airways and damages lung tissue, leading to a chronic cough. Quitting smoking is essential to prevent further damage and improve lung health.

6. Respiratory infections: Chronic cough can result from lingering respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis. Treatment depends on the specific infection and may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or supportive care.

7. Medications: Some medications, especially ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, can cause a chronic cough as a side effect. Switching to a different medication may be necessary.

8. Lung conditions: Other lung diseases, such as interstitial lung disease or bronchiectasis, can lead to chronic coughing. Treatment depends on the specific lung condition and may include medications, oxygen therapy, or pulmonary rehabilitation.

9. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental irritants like pollution, dust, or strong fumes can lead to a persistent cough. Avoiding exposure to these irritants can help reduce symptoms.

10. Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander can cause a chronic cough. Allergy medications and avoiding allergens can help manage symptoms.

11. Non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis: This condition is characterized by airway inflammation with eosinophils but without the typical features of asthma. Treatment may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

12. Interstitial lung disease: This group of lung disorders causes scarring of lung tissue, leading to cough and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the specific type of interstitial lung disease and may include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.

If you have a chronic cough, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They can help determine the underlying cause of your cough and develop a treatment plan to address it.