As winter’s chill sets in, coughing becomes common. Many people assume their cough is due to a cold and try to treat it with over-the-counter remedies. However, if your cough lasts more than eight weeks, it may be a sign of a chronic cough, often caused by identifiable underlying conditions.
Postnasal Drip Syndrome
Postnasal drip syndrome is the primary cause of chronic coughs. It occurs when mucus trickles down the back of the throat, irritating the lining and triggering coughing. Symptoms typically worsen at night when lying down, and they are accompanied by nasal congestion and a sensation of something stuck in the throat.
This type of cough frequently affects those with allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Saline nasal rinses can offer relief. It’s also important to avoid sudden temperature changes and stay well-hydrated.
Cough-Variant Asthma
Frequent nighttime coughing may indicate cough variant asthma. Unlike typical asthma, it causes dry coughing without wheezing or breathing difficulties.
Cough-variant asthma is common in people with atopic dermatitis and tends to intensify at night. Diagnosis involves bronchial provocation tests at a medical facility, and treatment may include bronchodilators, antihistamines, or steroids.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Severe morning coughs might point to COPD. This condition narrows the airways from the bronchi to the alveoli, making breathing difficult.
Key symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, with 70-80% of cases linked to smoking. Smoking-induced chronic inflammation in the lungs can lead to emphysema, causing breathlessness.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
If your cough is accompanied by heartburn, GERD might be the cause. This condition can trigger chronic coughing due to laryngeal hypersensitivity caused by acid reflux or hormonal imbalances. Stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus typically cause a burning sensation in the chest and a feeling of something stuck in the throat.
A medical evaluation can pinpoint the cause, and modifying habits that irritate the larynx often helps. Triggers vary, from smoking to consuming crumbly snacks or prolonged talking. Practicing alternative actions to prevent coughing when the urge arises and combining these strategies with medication can effectively improve symptoms.
Other Causes and Solutions
Chronic coughs may also result from certain medications, smoking, pneumonia, or lung cancer. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is crucial. When no specific cause is found, symptomatic treatment to suppress the cough may be recommended.
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