Chronic Cough
Chronic Cough Causes
The cause of a chronic cough is not always clear. However, majority of diagnosed chronic cough were due to postnasal drip, asthma, and acid reflux. Sometimes infections or medications also cause the condition. Chronic coughing in all ages are usually cause by environmental pollutants such as diesel exhaust, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.
Chronic Cough Definition
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for eight weeks or longer. It physically drains the affected individual and may have major repercussions.
Chronic Cough Diagnosis
A patient undergoes a thorough medical history and physical exam to determine the cause of the condition. Doctors may prescribe an antihistamine-decongestant medication. If it fails, the patient may undergo tests such as allergy and sinus tests, chest X-ray, lung function tests, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and pH probe.
Chronic Cough Symptoms and Signs
Individuals suffering from a chronic cough have runny or stuffy noses, or sense a liquid running down the back of the throat. They may also experience wheezing and shortness of breath, heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth, or coughing up blood in rare cases.
Chronic Cough Treatment
A chronic cough with a determined cause is easier to treat than with the unknown cause. The condition is treated depending on the cause. Doctors may prescribe medications such as antihistamines and decongestants or inhaled corticosteroids. Affected individuals may also need to change their lifestyle such as maintaining a healthy weight or stop smoking. For a chronic cough with an unknown reason, doctors prescribe a cough suppressant or possibly ipratropium bromide.