Lung Condition Symptoms: Chronic Cough

We all know what it’s like to have a nagging cough. For most of us, it’s just a temporary annoyance that goes away after a few days. But for some people, a chronic cough is anything but temporary. If you’re one of those people, you’re not alone. A chronic cough can be extremely frustrating and uncomfortable. But don’t worry – you get your life back! 

Keep reading for more information about chronic coughs and available treatments.

Millions of people cough daily; it’s a common occurrence and is expected under certain circumstances. Having seasonal allergies, struggling with a cold or respiratory infection, or catching COVID-19 can all lead to a cough that will eventually disappear. Even those who get bronchitis once a year understand that this, too, shall pass. 

When a typical cough turns into a chronic cough, it is much more intense and uncomfortable and lasts for weeks, months, or even years. Chronic coughs can indicate an underlying condition such as lung disease, GERD, COPD, or asthma; however, lung disease doesn’t have to be present to be diagnosed with a chronic cough. Some not-so-common reasons for developing a chronic cough can come from bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, reflux, lung cancer, and inflammation. 

You might wonder how you will know when your cough is categorized as “chronic”?

The length of time cough symptoms occur is something more serious. Individuals who experience a nagging cough for at least eight weeks should seek medical help to determine what is happening. 

A chronic cough can affect all aspects of one’s life, from not getting adequate sleep and not functioning at work to skipping social events and ultimately impacting mental and physical health. 

In addition, a chronic cough can cause pain and breathing problems, which have unwanted and disastrous effects on everyday life. 

Be smart about your health and be aware of the signs and symptoms of a chronic cough.

If you have a chronic cough, it’s important to know the signs, symptoms, and adverse effects and get treatment. A chronic cough can signify a severe illness like lung disease, cancer, or another pulmonary issue. 

Health experts at Mayo Clinic list common symptoms and effects of chronic cough: 

• A runny or stuffy nose
• A feeling of liquid running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
• Frequent throat clearing and sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Headaches
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or passing out
• Urinary incontinence 
• Sleep disruption
• Excessive sweating
• Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth
• Fractured ribs from coughing
• In rare cases, coughing up blood

Again, if someone has one or more of these symptoms, along with what seems like a constant cough, which impairs parts of their life, it’s best to seek treatment ASAP. 

There are quite a few questions you can ask yourself if you question whether or not the persistent cough you have is considered a chronic cough that needs medical treatment.

According to the medical staff at the American Lung Association, there are various diagnostic tests physicians can order to understand more about your condition and determine how to treat you best.

Some of these tests include:

• Chest X-ray: Quick and easy chest picture
• Blood sample: To see if your body is fighting an infection or if there are signs of allergies
• CT scan of the chest: A better-quality picture of the chest
• Throat swab: Usually done with a long cotton swab
• Phlegm or sputum sample: Collected after a deep cough
• Spirometry: Staff will ask you to breathe out hard and fast into a small plastic device to measure how well you breathe out air
• Methacholine challenge test: A breathing test often used to diagnose or rule out asthma

The list of tests seems like a lot, but more than likely, a couple of those together will give your physician the answers they need to move on to treatment. 

There are a few ways physicians manage and treat a chronic cough. What might be for obvious reasons, they will recommend the patient stay away from any form of smoking or being around smoke. 

Some standard treatment methods are inhalers, antibiotics, antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants, and acid blockers. Increasing fluid intake, using cough suppressants, and moisturizing the air are other highly recommended ways to soothe a chronic cough.

Ultimately, the treatment plan depends on the individual, whether or not they have an underlying condition that needs treatment or if symptoms of the cough can be remedied. 

This is why it is imperative that people with a chronic cough seek medical help as soon as they recognize their symptoms as being beyond the ordinary.

If you’ve been dealing with a chronic cough that’s lasted eight weeks or more, it’s time to seek medical help. A pulmonologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and work with you to find the best treatment plan for your needs. Don’t let a chronic cough sideline you any longer – get the treatment you need to get back to your life.