A lingering cough can be irritating, to say the least. It can even be downright dangerous if you’re over the age of 70. For many people, it can linger on for weeks and even over a month, leaving you wondering “what is going on?”
If your cough is persisting, it may indicate an underlying issue that you should address. Here are some possible reasons why your pesky cough isn’t going anywhere.
Postnasal Drip
Post-nasal drip is something that happens when excess mucus builds up in your sinuses and drips down the back of your throat which triggers a cough. Your excess mucus could be a result of allergies, a cold or a sinus infection that needs to be addressed. Treating the root cause is the best way to treat this kind of issue as this will stop the irritation and consequently your lingering cough.
Acid Reflux
This may not be the first potential reason it crosses your mind, however, in some cases, your cough may be a result of acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause stomach acid to travel up your esophagus and in turn, irritate your throat and cause a cough.
If you notice that your cough is worse when you lay down then this may very well likely be the culprit. If this turns out to be the reason for your cough, then it can easily be solved by changing certain lifestyle habits and elevating your head more often.
Asthma
If your cough is truly persistent then it could be a result of asthma. In fact, asthma is most often the cause of a chronic cough even though most people may associate asthma with wheezing or having difficulty breathing.
This type of asthma is known as cough-variant asthma and is most likely the culprit. If your cough is accompanied by a tight chest and worsens when you’re physically active then it’s important that you see a doctor so that they can diagnose you. If this is in fact the case then you will be able to provide prescriptions for the proper treatment that will give you relief.
Chronic Bronchitis
If you are a smoker or have a history of smoking, then chronic bronchitis may be at play. Chronic bronchitis causes long-term inflammation and irritation of your airways, leading to a persistent and pesky cough. If you currently smoke, then you should consider quitting smoking and seeking medical treatment for smoking alternatives that can help lessen your cravings to smoke. From gum to nicotine patches, there are ways to quit and rid yourself of your chronic cough.
Other Serious Medical Conditions
In the worst-case scenario, your cough may be a result of a more serious condition like pneumonia or even lung cancer. Although these are not common, it’s not something you should rule out. Seek medical attention if you have any of the typical symptoms such as weight loss or fever that accompany these more serious medical conditions.
