Have you been coughing for longer than a week, but it just won’t stop? If so, you’re not alone. Coughing is a common and natural reflex that helps clear the airways of irritants and mucus. However, a persistent cough can signify an underlying health issue and make daily life difficult.
But what’s causing your cough to linger? There are several reasons why your cough may not be improving. It’s important to understand the cause of your persistent cough so that you can receive the appropriate treatment and find relief. In this article, we’ll go over five reasons why your cough may not be improving and what you can do about it.
1 A Sign of Something More Serious
While a cough is often just a minor inconvenience, it can sometimes be a sign of something more serious such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even a lung infection. It’s important to note that many underlying conditions can cause the cough to persist until the disease has progressed.
In case you’ve been experiencing a persistent cough for more than a week or have other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention as you may be suffering from mesothelioma. You can visit www.mesotheliomahope.com to find out more.
Also, if you’re concerned about your persistent cough, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Your health and well-being are important, and getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment is key to finding relief and feeling your best.
2 Allergies
Allergies commonly cause a persistent cough, especially during allergy season. Supposing you’re prone to sneezing, itching, and coughing when you’re around allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, it’s likely that allergies are the culprit behind your persistent cough.
Here’s how it works: When exposed to allergens, your immune system overreacts and releases histamine, which can cause a host of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, and coughing. Allergic rhinitis is an allergy that affects the nasal passages and can lead to a persistent cough. The cough is often a result of post-nasal drip, which occurs when mucus overflows from the back of the nose into the throat.
So, what can you do to find relief? Treatment for allergies typically involves avoiding allergens, using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, or receiving immunotherapy. Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, can help reduce your symptoms by gradually exposing you to small amounts of allergens.
3 GERD and COPD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two conditions that can contribute to a persistent cough. GERD is a disorder that causes the stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, while COPD is a lung disease that causes airflow blockage and makes breathing difficult.
A persistent cough is a symptom of both GERD and COPD. In GERD, the cough is often caused by acid reflux, irritating the throat and triggering a cough. In COPD, the cough is often a result of chronic bronchitis, an airway inflammation leading to a persistent cough.
Treatment for GERD and COPD typically involves managing the underlying causes of the conditions. This may include changing your diet and lifestyle, reducing acid production, or inhaling medications to open up the airways and manage symptoms. It’s important to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing a persistent cough accompanied by other symptoms such as heartburn, shortness of breath, or wheezing. Your doctor can help diagnose the root cause of your cough and create a treatment plan to help you find relief.
4 Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes the airways to narrow, making breathing difficult and triggering symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. A common asthma symptom is a persistent cough, especially during an asthma attack. The cough is often described as a “tight” or “barking” cough, and it can be accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath. Allergens, exercise, cold air, stress, or other irritants can trigger asthma attacks. According to surveys, about 25 million people in the USA have asthma, which equals approximately 1 in 13 people.
Asthma treatment involves controlling the underlying inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This may include inhaled bronchodilators to open up the airways, inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or combination inhalers that contain both bronchodilators and corticosteroids. It’s important to consult a doctor if you suspect that your persistent cough is due to asthma. A doctor can perform lung function tests and diagnose asthma based on your symptoms and medical history. With proper treatment, asthma patients can live healthy, active lives.
5 Side Effects of Medications
Did you know that the medications meant to help you feel better can sometimes cause a persistent cough? Some common medications that can cause a cough include ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure), beta-blockers (used to treat heart conditions and migraines), and angiotensin receptor blockers (used to treat high blood pressure). Antidepressants, painkillers, and even cough syrups can sometimes trigger a persistent cough.
After starting a new medication, you must talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing a persistent cough. Your doctor can help determine if the medication is the cause of your cough and help you find a suitable alternative. Sometimes, switching to a different medication or adjusting the dose may be necessary to alleviate the cough.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a persistent cough can be a frustrating and sometimes worrying. You must talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing a persistent cough. Your doctor can help diagnose the root cause of your cough and create a treatment plan to help you find relief. Whether changing your diet and lifestyle, taking medications, or finding alternative treatments, many options are available to help you breathe easy and feel your best.
Remember, a persistent cough is not something to be taken lightly. It can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs attention. Don’t wait for it to get worse – take control of your health and get the help you need today!
