Chronic cough

Chronic Cough
Specialty	Pulmonology, Otorhinolaryngology
Symptoms	Persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks
Complications	Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, physical discomfort
Duration	More than eight weeks
Causes	Postnasal drip, Asthma, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Smoking, Chronic bronchitis
Diagnostic method	Based on duration and exclusion of other causes
Differential diagnosis	Acute cough, Whooping cough
Treatment	Based on underlying cause
Medication	Antihistamines, Inhaled corticosteroids, Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is present)

Chronic cough is a medical condition characterized by a cough that lasts more than eight weeks. It is a prevalent issue that can significantly impact the quality of life, leading to problems such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression, as well as physical discomfort.

Causes

Chronic cough can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Postnasal drip - mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose.
• Asthma - especially cough-variant asthma.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - stomach acids flowing back into the esophagus.
• Smoking - both current and former smokers are at risk.
• Chronic bronchitis - long-term inflammation of the bronchi.
• Environmental factors such as pollutants and allergens.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing chronic cough involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers may also recommend tests such as chest X-rays, spirometry, and tests for GERD to rule out other causes and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of chronic cough focuses on addressing the underlying cause:

• For asthma, inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators may be prescribed.
• For GERD, lifestyle changes along with medications such as proton pump inhibitors are recommended.
• For postnasal drip, antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are commonly used.
• Smoking cessation is crucial for individuals who smoke.

Prognosis

The prognosis for chronic cough depends on its underlying cause. With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience significant improvement.

See also

• Cough
• Respiratory system
• Pulmonology