Chronic cough - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

When the nose runs, the mucus goes out of the body, but when the mucus does not come out and goes back into the throat, it is called post-nasal drip. Normally the person swallows the mucus formed in the sinuses. It irritates the throat and triggers the cough reflex. Due to this, a cough can bother the person for a long time.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease of the lungs, in which chronic inflammation occurs. This disease can occur due to obstruction of airflow from the lungs. In this, the person may have a cough for a long time. You may also face difficulty in breathing.

There are many diseases which are considered to be uncommon causes of chronic cough -

• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchiolitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux
• Lung cancer
• Sarcoidosis

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If a person has an infection like pneumonia or flu, he may also have a chronic cough. This may happen due to swelling in the airways. Apart from this, cough can last for a long time due to fungal infection and TB in the lungs.

People who take medicines to lower blood pressure may suffer from chronic cough. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor medicines can cause a chronic cough in some people. Therefore, before taking any medicine, definitely take the doctor's advice.

GERD occurs when acid backs up into the tube that connects the stomach and throat. This can irritate the throat, which can cause a chronic cough.

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The problem of bronchitis occurs when there is swelling in the trachea. In this situation, mucus starts getting produced more. Due to this, a person may cough for a long time. This disease is seen more in people who smoke.

Asthma can be considered a main cause of chronic cough. Asthma occurs when the upper airways become sensitive to cold air, certain chemicals, fragrances, or exercise. In this situation, the person may have trouble breathing and wheezing. Constant cough can bother the sufferer of asthma.

If the cough is due to blood pressure-lowering medicines, then you can talk to the doctor. For this, doctors can prescribe other medicines that reduce high blood pressure without causing cough.

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If the cough is due to post-nasal drip, the doctor may advise taking decongestants or antihistamines. These medicines can help in reducing swelling. It can also prevent mucus from going back into the throat. Apart from this, cimetidine and famotidine medicines can also help in reducing chronic cough. These can be consumed on a doctor's advice.

Chronic cough caused by infection can be treated with the help of antibiotics. Antibiotics can help treat pneumonia or other bacterial infections.

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If a person is suffering from chronic cough due to asthma, the doctor may prescribe inhaled steroids and bronchodilators. These medicines can reduce airway inflammation and open narrowed airways. This makes it easier for the person to breathe. Apart from this, inhaled steroids and bronchodilators can also be used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and COPD.

If the cause of chronic cough is GERD, then the person is advised to take medicines that reduce the effects of stomach acid. Acid reflux medicines are as follows -

• Antacid medicines
• H2 receptor blockers
• Proton pump inhibitors

Along with this, the doctor may forbid you to eat caffeine, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and high-fat foods.