What is chronic cough?
According to Harvard Health Publishing (HHP), in the United States, chronic cough is a cough that lasts for more than 3 to 8 weeks and in some cases, can last monthly or even for many years.
Chronic cough can cause significant discomfort and is a sign of serious health problems. If you have a long-term cough without a specific cause, you should consult a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of chronic cough
There are many causes of chronic cough. Some common causes include:
Smoking: Is the main cause of prolonged coughing.
Asthma: Inflammation and constriction of the air duct that causes cough.
Acid reflux (GERD): Stomach acid causes throat irritation.
Chronic bronchitis: Part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Rear nasal discharge: nasal discharge flows down the throat, causing cough.
Infections: Pneumonia or bronchitis can cause a cough.
drugs to inhibit fermentation: Drugs to treat high blood pressure can cause coughing as a side effect.
Symptoms of chronic cough
When you have a chronic cough, in addition to a persistent cough, you may experience the following symptoms:
Fever: Especially when the fever is high or persistent.
Feeling of fluid flowing down the back of your throat: This can be a sign of acid reflux or a runny nose.
Feeling heartburn: Often a burning sensation in the chest, especially when lying down.
Throat and shortness of breath: This can occur when the throat is irritated or inflamed.
Nose blockage and nasal congestion: Frequent nasal congestion can be related to bronchitis or allergies.
sore throat and shortness of breath: Respiratory tract inflammation can cause these symptoms.
Coughing up blood: This is a serious symptom and requires immediate medical examination.
Weakness and weight loss: Loss of energy and weight loss can be a sign of serious diseases such as lung cancer or chronic lung disease.
Fatigue and loss of appetite: Chronic cough can affect overall health and lead to feelings of fatigue.
Chest pain: Especially if the pain is not caused by a cough, this can be a sign of cardiovascular or lung problems.
Note
Chronic cough can cause a lot of discomfort and affect your quality of life, making you feel tired, anxious and uncomfortable. Prolonged coughing can cause insomnia and interfere with work as well as social activities. Therefore, if you have a persistent cough or have accompanying symptoms, see a doctor for timely examination and treatment. It is important not to arbitrarily diagnose and treat, because chronic cough can be a sign of a serious illness.
