Have you ever experienced a cough that just wouldn’t go away? No matter how much you cough, you just can’t seem to clear your throat. It gets in the way of everything you do, from work to sleep to simply enjoying yourself. In this blog post, we’ll talk more about a cough that is not going away take a closer look at the causes of chronic coughs and what you can do to treat them. We’ll also share some tips for managing your cough at home.
So, if you’re ready to finally get rid of that cough, keep reading!
What is Cough?
It is a reflex action that helps to clear the airways of irritants or mucus. It is a common symptom of many different conditions, including colds, flu, allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. Most coughs go away on their own within a few weeks. However, if yours has lasted for more than eight weeks, it is considered a chronic cough and may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Causes of Chronic Cough
There are many different causes of chronic coughs. Some of the most common causes include:
- Allergies can irritated the airways.
- Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation of the airways. This inflammation can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Consult a doctor to help you manage asthma symptoms.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung diseases that cause airflow obstruction. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of COPD.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can irritate the esophagus and throat, leading to a cough.
- Postnasal drip is a condition in which mucus drops from the back of the nose into the throat. This can irritate the throat.
- Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits.
- Lung cancer, especially if the tumor is large or located in the airways.
If you have a cough that is not going away, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for Cough that Is Not Going Away
Treatment will vary depending on the cause. For example, if your cough is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe allergy medication. If it is caused by asthma, your doctor may prescribe inhaled corticosteroids or other asthma medications. But if your cough is caused by GERD, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding lying down after eating.
In addition to medical treatment, there are some things you can do at home to help relieve a cough, such as:
- Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Adding moisture to the air using a humidifier.
- Avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollen
- Taking over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants
- Getting plenty of rest
If you have a chronic cough that is not responding to treatment, or if you have any other concerns, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, be sure to see a doctor right away.
Tips to Manage Chough That Is Not Going Away
Here are some additional tips:
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking irritates the airways and can make it worse.
- Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick.
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Avoid triggers. For example, if you have allergies, avoid your allergens. If you have asthma, avoid triggers such as exercise, cold air, and air pollution.
- Elevate your head when you sleep to help reduce postnasal drip.
- Avoid lying down after eating to help reduce acid reflux.
If you have a chronic cough, it is important to be patient and diligent with your treatment. It may take some time to find a treatment that works for you. However, with the right treatment, most chronic coughs can be managed effectively.