Quick overview of the symptoms of a common cough
A persistent cough can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- A runny or congested nose.
- A sensation of liquid running down the back of your throat, also known as postnasal drip.
- Often clearing your throat.
- Sore throat.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- A feeling of heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth.
- In rare instances, coughing up blood occurs.
What exactly is a cough?
A chronic cough persists for 8 weeks or more in adults or at least 4 weeks in children. It’s more than just bothersome; it can interfere with sleep and cause fatigue. In severe cases, it may lead to vomiting, lightheadedness, or even rib fractures. Using a Symptoms Checker can help you better understand your cough and determine when medical attention may be needed.
The most common causes of chronic cough are tobacco use and asthma. Other frequent reasons include postnasal drip, where fluid from the nose drips down the back of the throat, and acid reflux, in which stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. A Symptoms Checker can assist in identifying possible underlying causes, and in many cases, a chronic cough improves once the root issue is properly treated.
What causes the cough?
A cough occurring occasionally is normal. It helps remove irritants and mucus from the lungs and can prevent infections. However, a cough that persists for several weeks typically indicates an underlying health issue. Often, multiple health problems contribute to a prolonged cough.
Most cases of chronic cough are caused by these factors, which can occur individually or in combination:
- Postnasal drip.
- Asthma.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Infections.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Blood pressure drugs.
Less commonly, a chronic cough may be due to:
- Aspiration.
- Bronchiectasis.
- Bronchiolitis.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Lung cancer.
- Non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis.
- Sarcoidosis.
What are the risk factors related to the cough?
Being a current or former smoker is a major risk factor for chronic cough. Additionally, exposure to high levels of secondhand smoke can contribute to coughing and lung damage.
How do doctors diagnose a cough?
Your doctor reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. A comprehensive history and physical check can offer crucial clues about a chronic cough. Additionally, your doctor might order tests to determine the cause.
Many health professionals initially treat one of the common causes of chronic cough rather than ordering costly tests. If this treatment fails, then less common causes may be investigated.
- Imaging tests such as X-rays.
- Computerised tomography scans (CT scans)
- Lab tests
Check Your Symptoms
What are the standard treatments for a cough?
Determining the cause of a chronic cough is crucial for effective treatment. Often, multiple underlying conditions can contribute to your persistent cough.
If you smoke, your doctor will probably discuss your willingness to quit and provide guidance on how to do so. If you’re taking an ACE inhibitor, they might recommend switching to a different medication that doesn’t cause cough as a side effect.
Medications for managing chronic cough may include:
- Antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants.
- Inhaled asthma medicines.
- Antibiotics.
- Acid blockers.
Living with a cough
Coughing is your body’s natural defence against germs and irritants. However, it can be exceptionally bothersome and occasionally frightening. Most causes of cough are not serious. Nonetheless, if your cough persists for a long time or is so severe that you’re unable to breathe correctly, consult a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help relieve a cough?
Follow the instructions your healthcare provider gives you to address the cause of your cough. Meanwhile, you can try these tips to relieve it: Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus in your throat. Warm beverages like broth, tea, or juice can soothe your throat. Suck on cough drops or hard candies to relieve a dry cough and soothe an irritated throat. Consider honey; a teaspoon might help loosen the cough, but do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to bacterial risks. Moisturise the air with a cool-mist humidifier or a hot shower. Avoid tobacco smoke, as both smoking and second-hand smoke can irritate your lungs and worsen the cough. If you smoke, consult your doctor about quitting programmes and products.
What might it mean if I cough after eating?
Coughing shortly after eating might indicate acid reflux. If you cough during a meal, it could mean food went “down the wrong way” (aspiration), meaning it entered your lungs rather than your stomach. Coughing helps attempt to expel the food to prevent it from reaching your lungs.
How can I stop an uncontrollable cough?
Taking small sips of water, sucking on a cough drop carefully to avoid choking, or sitting in a steamy shower might help halt a coughing fit. However, uncontrollable coughing can be frightening and challenging to handle, as it may interfere with breathing and lead to vomiting or choking. If you experience frequent coughing episodes, consult a doctor or visit the emergency room. They might prescribe steroids or other medications to help reduce your cough.
When should I worry about a cough?
Consult a doctor if you or your child experiences: a cough that persists longer than a few weeks or worsens over time; a cough producing a barking or whooping sound; vomiting caused by coughing; a fever lasting more than a day or two; or yellow, green, or bloody mucus. Seek emergency care or call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a cough and also experience: a choking sensation; difficulty breathing; significant blood in your cough; wheezing (a whistling sound when exhaling); or severe chest pain.
What happens if a cough is not treated?
Most coughs resolve naturally within one or two weeks without causing lasting harm or symptoms. Occasionally, a severe cough can lead to temporary issues like fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or fractured ribs, but these are uncommon and typically cease once the cough subsides. If a more serious underlying condition causes a cough, it is unlikely to resolve without treatment, and failure to address it could worsen the condition and lead to additional symptoms.
