Typically, a cough is a sign of illness or allergies. You cough from time to time, or for a few days, and then it goes away. But if you find yourself coughing all day, every day, something going on.
But in some cases, coughs can last for a long time. You feel fine, but you’re still coughing a lot. You cough at the movies (making some people pretty agitated), at the supermarket, everywhere you go. And you’re really wondering: when will this cough subside?
Should I be concerned if I’m dealing with a persistent cough? Well, sometimes a persistent cough can be little more than obnoxious; in other circumstances, it might be a sign of serious illness. In either case, getting to the bottom of the reason is a smart move.
When you can’t stop coughing it’s pretty irritating
It can be really annoying, coughing constantly. That’s because a cough isn’t exactly a gentle experience. Even a low-key persistent cough can dramatically (and negatively) impact your life thanks to those violent eruptions of air.
There are a couple of ways that a persistent cough could impact your general quality of life:
- Social stigma: Covid is still a serious concern for everybody. That’s justifiable and likely wise! In part due to this, however, anyone who coughs immediately becomes a persona non grata. People will try to keep their distance from you, avoid eye contact, and essentially pretend you don’t exist. There will still be a lot of social stigma even if the cough isn’t contagious. This will be an unpleasant situation for anyone who has to go through it.
- Difficulty sleeping: Sleeping is all but out of the question when you keep coughing. Nothing is more aggravating than being on the edge of drifting off to dreamland only to be woken up by a coughing fit.
- Difficulty eating: Eating can be a bit of a challenge when you’re dealing with a persistent cough. It’s particularly difficult for food to go down when air is coming up (but it will most likely come with some additional choking and coughing). Eating with a chronic cough can be difficult as a result.
What identifies a persistent cough?
So, how do you tell a persistent cough from a lingering cold? Well, one of the basic diagnostic points is duration: how long have you been coughing? In general, a cough that persists for 6-8 weeks or more is regarded as a chronic or persistent cough.
Here are some other symptoms that can come with a persistent cough:
- Hoarseness
- Heartburn
- Coughing up blood
- A sore throat (particularly if you’re clearing your throat frequently)
- In some instances, a fever or cough
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Post nasal drip
These symptoms differ in severity. In general, however, if you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor about your treatment options.
What causes a persistent cough?
You should get your persistent cough checked out because it will typically be a symptom of some other root condition. Some of them are serious; some of them less so.
The most common causes include the following:
- Smoking: This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anybody anymore, but smoking can cause considerable problems for your overall health. And it can result in all manner of lung problems, including a persistent cough. You may have contaminants, like tar, trapped in your throat which would be best case scenario. Long-term damage caused by smoking may also be the cause of your cough if you’re less lucky. Your lungs will thank you if you stop smoking immediately, either way.
- Medications: Some medications can result in coughing. Your doctor should be quite well versed in these reactions, so make sure to get a consultation. There may be substitute medication possibilities that don’t trigger the same reaction.
- Sinus problems: Below your eyes and behind your nose are cavities called sinuses. Coughing can be caused by post-nasal-drip which in turn can be caused by sinus problems such as a sinus infection. Sinus problems can be treated by medication or by surgery, depending on the root cause.
- Lung diseases: Many lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis, can cause chronic coughing. Asthma is not unusual and medication and lifestyle choices can normally manage it effectively. It’s tougher, however, to deal with diseases such as COPD. Over time, this degenerative disease can have an impact on your breathing. Frequent, coughing is also a symptom.
- Digestive issues: A condition called GERD or acid reflux can at times cause coughing. In these situations, your body is reacting to the stomach acid or bile that’s moving up your esophagus. It sounds terrible, and it is. Finding the best way to treat these digestive issues is important and your doctor can assist you with that.
- Allergies: Sneezing is typically what most people think of when they consider allergies. But sometimes there are other reactions. Allergic reactions can also frequently trigger coughing. You may want to ask your doctor about allergies if you exhibit a more persistent cough during the spring and summer months. And in these situations, undergoing an allergy test can provide you with a lot of answers.
These types of pulmonary diseases can’t necessarily be cured but they can be slowed.
When to be worried about your persistent cough
So, when is it time to worry? In most situations, your cough will subside by itself. The time to call your provider is when your cough isn’t responding to over-the-counter medication and persists for more than 6-8 weeks.
Even if your cough subsides, it’s never a bad idea to check in on the health of your lungs, your throat, and your pulmonary system. So call us as soon as possible for a consultation!
References
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma