Chronic Cough in Adults

Coughing is a normal cleansing route of the body to get rid of the unwanted mucus as well as phlegm in the breathing tubes. It also helps in clearing off the dust particles and foreign matter that have gained an entry into the upper respiratory system. However, in some cases, this normal coughing could turn into a chronic or persistent cough in adults.

This is a very irritating condition not only for the affected person but also for the others around him. Due to constant coughing, one would not be able to work peacefully, have a normal social life, as well as would not be able to have a good nights sleep. Many times this may be a sign of an underlying disease. This condition could also last over 6 weeks and thereby turn into an exhausting and debilitating disorder.

An irritant like dust, perfume, spicy food, or stomach mucus may irritate and stimulate the respiratory tract. This causes an occasional bout of coughing in adults. However, if this turns into a persistent condition, there may be a number of other factors responsible for the same.

The secretions of the nose dripping into the back of the throat is called postnasal drip. These secretions irritate the throat that turns into a trigger for postnasal drip cough in adults. People affected by allergies, colds, rhinitis, and sinusitis mostly develop this condition due to postnasal drip.

The second most common cause is asthma. Asthmatics not only have persistent cough but also experience wheezing as well as shortness of breath. This condition is also seen in people with a condition called cough variant asthma. This is a condition wherein the cough is the only symptom of asthma.

In this condition, the stomach acid flows back in to the esophagus causing constant irritation to the throat, esophagus, as well as lungs. This acid reflux leaves a sour taste in the mouth and causes heart burn.

After a bad case of cold, flu, upper respiratory tract infection or pneumonia, one may continue to be affected by chronic cough. This is because the airways are inflamed and take longer to become normal again. Also, these airways are highly sensitive after an infection and this condition is triggered by the tiniest of irritants in the airways. In some cases, tuberculosis can also be seen as one of the causes for chronic cough with phlegm.

These are common prescription drugs for high blood pressure and heart failure. Persistent coughing has been observed in about 20% of the people taking these drugs. It could start within a week of taking the drug or maybe even after 6 months. After the drugs are stopped, the condition would disappear in a few days or remain for about a month or so.

Chronic bronchitis is a condition seen in smokers that is caused due to damage to the airways and lungs. The major airway tubes are inflamed in this condition. One experiences congestion, breathlessness, wheezing, and chronic cough. Also, chronic coughing would lead to throw up of a brownish or discolored sputum.

This is a serious medical condition that occurs due to abnormal widening of the bronchial tubes. This prevents the tubes from clearing the mucus from the lungs. This condition usually occurs after pneumonia. One may observe the signs and symptoms related to bronchiectasis like shortness of breath, fatigue, and persistent cough leading to discolored sputum or blood.

There are many people with lung cancer who are affected by persistent cough. It is usually observed in current and former smokers.

If the cough persists for more than 6 to 8 weeks, one should consult the concerned doctor immediately. The doctor may carry out diagnostic tests like X-ray, pulmonary function tests, bronchial challenge, or even esophageal pH monitoring. These procedures would help identify the cause of this persistent condition. The remedies include the use of antihistamines and decongestants for treating allergies and postnasal drips.

In case of asthma-related persistent coughing, inhaled corticosteroids may be prescribed. Medications for treating acid reflux like rabeprazole, esomeprazole, etc., may be recommended by the concerned doctor. However, if the causes are not known, then a cough suppressant may be given. On observation of the aforementioned symptoms, it is better to consult the concerned doctor to avoid any further complications.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.