Cough is a reflex that helps clear the airways from substances such as mucus, germs, bacteria and foreign objects. Cough, which works like a defense mechanism in the body, is often considered normal. However, in some cases, the cough becomes persistent and may continue for a long time. Persistent cough is the type that lasts longer than 3 weeks and is disturbing to people. This type of cough can often indicate respiratory diseases. Persistent cough; It may also occur due to allergens, postnasal drip, phlegm, smoking or as a symptom of some diseases. Persistent cough can be controlled with medications recommended by a doctor and some lifestyle changes. In the rest of the article, you can find more comprehensive answers to the questions “What causes a persistent cough?” and “What to do for a persistent cough?”
What are the Causes of Persistent Cough?
Cough is a natural reflex that helps clear the throat and airways. Cough is a condition that often goes away on its own and does not require any treatment. However, this condition may become persistent for various reasons and cause people to complain that the cough does not go away. A persistent cough may have different causes, ranging from postnasal drip to cancer. In general, some answers to the question “What causes persistent cough?” are as follows:
Virus and Bacteria
Viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses such as colds and flu can cause mucus to accumulate in the lungs. For this reason, the body develops a cough reflex to remove the mucus from the lungs. This phlegmy cough can irritate the bronchi over time and turn into a longer-lasting cough.
Allergens
of persons; Being allergic to any substance such as dust, pollen, mold, smoke, odor, detergent are the reasons that trigger cough. Exposure to allergens can cause the lungs to overreact. In this case, the lungs try to expel allergens from the body by coughing.
Postnasal drip
Postnasal drip; It may occur as a result of flu, cold, upper respiratory tract infections and allergies. Mucus accumulates in the airways that are blocked for various reasons. Accumulated mucus may flow back from the throat and cause coughing.
Acid Reflux
Reflux may be one of the leading factors causing a persistent cough. Reflux is a condition in which incompletely digested food in the stomach mixes with stomach acids and comes back to the throat. Stomach acids; It can irritate the throat, windpipe and vocal cords and cause coughing. Cough, especially at night, can be seen as a result of reflux.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
One of the most characteristic features of COPD is a persistent cough. This condition weakens the alveoli (tiny sacs) in the airways that carry oxygen to the blood and remove carbon monoxide and destroys the lung. As a result of this situation, it becomes difficult to deliver clean air to the lungs and a persistent cough occurs.
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways. In this case, the body produces mucus, which makes breathing difficult. Excess mucus formed in the lungs and airways is eliminated through coughing. Factors that trigger asthma exacerbations and increase cough may include dust, pollen, smoke, polluted air, cold and stress.
Heart failure
Heart failure disorder; It is a condition that causes the heart to not pump sufficiently, arteries to become blocked, and high blood pressure. Heart failure can cause a cough with mucus that is white or pink in color.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a serious disease that causes a persistent cough. Persistent cough, which is frequently seen in lung cancer, may be accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms include; These symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing up blood with or without sputum.
Medication
The most common side effect of some drugs known as ACE inhibitors, which are used for conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure, is a persistent cough.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is when the throat muscles relax while sleeping, closing the airways and making breathing difficult. Although the most prominent feature of sleep apnea is snoring, research has reported that sleep apnea may also be a cause of a persistent cough.
What are the Causes of Persistent Cough in Children?
The question “How to cure a persistent cough in children?” may be one of the questions that parents ask doctors. Cough is a common condition in children and can often be considered normal if it does not last long and does not cause fever, malaria, or sleep problems. However, the low immune system of young children can cause frequent illnesses and a persistent cough. Especially in cases of frequent colds and flu, mucus flowing backwards from the throat can cause a long-lasting cough. If the cough persists for more than 3 weeks in children, as in adults, and is accompanied by other symptoms, there may be an underlying condition. Generally, the causes of persistent cough in children are as follows:
• Allergies
• Asthma-Bronchitis diseases
• Upper or lower respiratory tract infections (croup, pneumonia, tonsillitis, whooping cough, sinusitis, ear infections, etc.)
• Congenital lung anomalies
• Presence of tumor or mass in the lung
• Low immune system
• Nasal congestion
• Being in high temperatures and dry weather
• Exposure to cigarette smoke or polluted air
When Should You See a Doctor?
In cases of cough lasting longer than three weeks, it is necessary to seek the opinion of a Chest Diseases specialist. If the cough has reached a level that disrupts daily life and shows other symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor. Some of the situations that should not be delayed in consulting a doctor for a persistent cough are as follows:
• If you have a cough that gets worse and faster every day
• If chest pain starts
• If tiredness and exhaustion are felt
• If there is unexplained weight loss
• If there is swelling and pain in the lower part of the neck
• If there is difficulty in breathing
• If there is fever and night sweats
• If it causes sleep problems
• If there is confusion of consciousness
• If the body’s immune system has decreased
What to Do for a Persistent Cough?
A persistent cough can sometimes disrupt people’s daily lives. The first thing to do for a cough that does not go away is undoubtedly to consult a healthcare institution. After the doctor’s examination and necessary tests, you can receive the recommended treatment. However, a persistent cough can be improved with some methods and lifestyle changes that can be applied at home in addition to medical treatment. In general, some answers to the question “How to get rid of persistent cough and phlegm?” are as follows:
• Keeping the throat moist and softening mucus by drinking plenty of water
• Using a high pillow while sleeping to prevent postnasal drip.
• Gargling carbonated-salt water to expectorate and soothe the throat.
• Avoiding cigarette smoke, polluted air or air-conditioned environments
• Staying away from allergens such as detergent, dust, mold, etc.
• Adding honey and ginger to herbal teas to relieve cough and clear the throat.
• Using seawater sprays to keep the nose open and prevent it from drying out
• Keeping an air humidifier, especially in the room where you sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a persistent cough a symptom of?
A persistent cough can sometimes be a reaction to allergens, sometimes a symptom of infectious diseases, or sometimes a symptom of more serious diseases such as cancer or tuberculosis. For this reason, some tests and imaging studies are required for the most accurate diagnosis.
How many days is a cough dangerous?
“How many days does the cough last?” This question may be one of the most common questions asked to doctors by people suffering from a persistent cough. This condition is generally considered normal for up to 3 weeks. However, a cough lasting more than 3 weeks and up to 8 weeks may indicate a dangerous situation.
What does a persistent dry cough indicate?
Persistent dry cough is a condition that is mostly caused by frequently recurring upper respiratory tract infections. However, in some people, a persistent dry cough may be a sign of more serious diseases such as reflux, lung damage, heart failure, and tuberculosis.
Is persistent cough dangerous?
A persistent cough is a disease that must be treated. If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition. Persistent cough; It may cause headache, dizziness and rib fractures.
If you have a cough that does not go away, you should definitely consult a healthcare provider. As a result of medical evaluations, you can learn the cause of cough and receive appropriate treatment.
