Solutions for Persistent Cough

A chronic cough is one that does not go away on its own, and lasts for more than a few weeks. It is not a disease; it is actually a symptom of other diseases or conditions affecting the body and causing this reaction.

Don’t worry- this problem is common, especially among smokers. Coughs are responsible for many doctor visits every year. Some common causes a chronic cough include asthma, sinus infection, and the more serious gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.

Asthma causes coughing by restricting the airways in the throat and lungs, preventing the normal expulsion of unwanted particles, such as smoke and car exhaust, from the lungs. These microparticles agitate the lungs resulting in this condition.

Sinus infections can bring about coughing by giving us that characteristic “tickle in your throat” sensation that sets off the body’s response to clear pathogens from the throat.

One of the most serious reasons of recurring cough is GERD, which is caused by reflux, or backward flow, of stomach acids into the esophagus resulting in damage to the esophagus and heartburn. In severe cases, some of this acid is aspirated (breathed) up into the lungs resulting in damage and coughing fits.

The most common reasons for persistent coughing is cigarette smoking, which results in the lungs being exposed to tars and other pollutants associated with the burning of tobacco. During smoking these pollutants are being directly introduced into the lungs. If you suffer from this condition and are a smoker, your situation should go away in about 2 weeks if you quit smoking and the lungs rid themselves of these harmful pollutants.

Less common causes include: infection, endobronchial lesions, lung disease, chronic aspiration, enlarged tonsils, and various obscure medical conditions.

Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia can cause this condition. These infections can be caused by virus, bacteria or fungus. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics.

Some sufferers end up having tumors, sarcoidosis or other infiltrating lung diseases.
It is important to obtain a chest x-ray when a chronic cough is present. Your doctor may also perform lung function tests and other examinations to rule out various causes. In the mean time, it’s important to take some cough home remedies to help with your condition.