A chronic cough lasting eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children, is more than just an annoyance – it can disrupt your sleep, leave you exhausted, and even lead to complications such as vomiting and rib fractures. Our specialists in Doylestown, PA, and Newtown, PA, is dedicated to identifying the root cause of your persistent cough and providing targeted, effective solutions.
Symptoms of Chronic Cough
Recognizing symptoms associated with chronic cough is crucial for early intervention. These may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Throat clearing and sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth
- Coughing up blood (in rare cases)
Causes of Chronic Cough
Chronic cough may stem from various factors, including:
- Asthma (especially cough-variant asthma)
- Acid reflux or GERD
- Upper airway cough syndrome (related to postnasal drip)
- Nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis
- Medication side effects (such as ACE inhibitors)
- Smoking
- Environmental triggers (dust, animal dander)
- Respiratory infections (bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia)
- Other conditions (COPD, bronchospasm, whooping cough)
Rarer causes include bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, heart failure, lung cancer, and sarcoidosis.
Complications and Risk Factors
Chronic cough can significantly impact your quality of life, leading to complications such as headaches, fainting, anxiety, depression, sleep loss, urine leakage, vomiting, muscle pain, and even broken ribs. Recognizing and treating the underlying cause is essential.
Risk factors and conditions that increase the likelihood of developing chronic cough include smoking, weakened immune system, asthma, sinus inflammation, and reflux.
Treatment for Chronic Cough
The treatment plan for chronic cough depends on its underlying cause:
- Acid Reflux: Dietary and lifestyle changes, along with medications like antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
- Asthma: Inhaled steroids and bronchodilators, prescribed for long-term use.
- COPD: Bronchodilators and inhaled steroids.
- Infections: Antibiotics for bacterial infections like pneumonia or whooping cough.
- Postnasal Drip: Decongestants, antihistamines, and steroid nasal sprays to manage symptoms.
- Additional Treatments: Speech therapy, over-the-counter or prescription cough suppressants, gabapentin, and narcotic cough medications (prescribed in severe cases).
Home Remedies for Chronic Cough
Manage your chronic cough with these home remedies:
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water and soothing warm liquids.
- Use cough lozenges.
- Manage acid reflux with controlled eating habits and weight loss if needed.
- Increase humidity with a humidifier or steam from a hot shower.
- Use saline nose spray or nasal irrigation to clear mucus.
- Quit smoking with guidance from your doctor.
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention if your cough persists for weeks, disturbs your sleep, brings up sputum or blood, or affects your daily life. Our expert team in Doylestown, PA, and Newtown, PA, is here to help you find relief from chronic cough symptoms. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step towards a cough-free tomorrow.