A cough lasting eight weeks or longer is considered chronic. A chronic cough can disrupt your sleep and affect your work. It may include other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, congestion and heartburn.
If you have a cough that lasts more than a month, make an appointment with your ear nose and throat physician.
What Causes Chronic Cough?
A cough is your body’s way of expelling a substance that is irritating the air passages. A variety of factors may trigger your chronic cough. These include:
- Postnasal drip.
- Asthma.
- Allergies.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Upper respiratory tract infections.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (includes bronchitis and emphysema).
- Pertussis (whooping cough).
- Air pollution.
- ACE inhibitors (found in some medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).
- A2RB’s (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers).
- Smokers are most at risk for developing a chronic cough, as are those exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.
How Is a Chronic Cough Evaluated and Treated?
After asking about your medical history, your doctor will perform a thorough head and neck exam. This exam might include a procedure known as a laryngoscopy to examine your larynx, in addition to possible imaging tests as well. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. If medications are prescribed, they may include:
- Antihistamines.
- Decongestants.
- Asthma drugs.
- Antibiotics.
- Acid blockers.
- Cough suppressants.
Diet and lifestyle changes are often very effective as well.
Call Midwest ENT Centre at (636) 441-3100 for more information or to schedule an appointment.