Are You Dealing with a Chronic Cough? There Are Many Potential Causes – Get the Facts Today

Coughing is natural because it clears irritants and mucus from your lungs and protects you from infection. A cough that lasts for weeks, on the other hand, is frequently the consequence of a medical condition. In many situations, many factors are at play. Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of chronic coughs and then contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to learn how we can help.

The majority of chronic cough instances are caused by one or more of the following factors, which can occur alone or in combination.

Postnasal drip

This is a condition that occurs when there is a buildup of mucus from your nose or sinuses might trickle down the back of your throat, triggering your cough reflex. Upper airway cough syndrome is another name for this illness (UACS).

Asthma

A cough caused by asthma may come and go with the seasons, emerge after an upper respiratory illness, or worsen when exposed to cold air, certain chemicals, or scents. The predominant symptom of one kind of asthma (cough-variant asthma) is a cough.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

This is a kind of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Stomach acid runs back into the tube that joins your stomach and neck in this frequent illness (esophagus). Coughing might become chronic as a result of the persistent discomfort. Coughing exacerbates GERD, creating a vicious cycle.

Infections

Coughing might continue even after other symptoms of pneumonia, influenza, a cold, or another upper respiratory illness have faded. Pertussis, widely known as whooping cough, is a frequent but under-recognized cause of persistent cough in adults. Chronic cough can also be caused by pulmonary fungi, tuberculosis (TB), or a lung infection caused by nontuberculous mycobacterial organisms.

COPD

This stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are examples of COPD, a chronic inflammatory lung disease that produces blocked airflow from the lungs. Coughing up colorful sputum is a symptom of chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is a lung disease that causes shortness of breath and affects the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli). The majority of COPD sufferers are current or previous smokers.

Medications for high blood pressure

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are routinely used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, have been linked to persistent cough in certain patients.

What is causing your chronic cough?

Of course, these are only the most common causes of chronic cough – your cause is not necessarily included. To find out what is causing your issue, and to find the solution to it, contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to make an appointment.