Chronic Coughing

A chronic cough – defined as one lasting for at least 8 weeks – can have many causes.

“When your cough won’t go away, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms, find out what’s causing the cough and get the right help.” – N. Scott Howard, MD, University Hospitals ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT)

Common Cause: A Runny Nose

Postnasal drip is a frequent cause of coughing. Sinus trouble or nasal irritants can trigger a cough now and, if it lingers, a chronic cough later.

The Solution: Treating the infection with saline rinses, medications or antibiotics can reduce the drip and improve the cough.

Common Cause: Acid Reflux

Reflux is a hidden cause of chronic cough. Even small amounts of acid rising into the esophagus can irritate the throat, trigger coughing and keep the reflux-cough cycle.

The Solution: “Medications that reduce stomach acid, combined with diet and lifestyle changes, can ease reflux and help calm chronic cough.” – N. Scott Howard, MD, University Hospitals ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT)

Common Cause: Asthma & Neurogenic Cough

When a chronic cough worsens after colds, seasonal changes, or from triggers like smoke, fragrances, chemicals or strong smells, it may be caused by asthma, another lung condition or neurogenic cough.

Neurogenic cough is a ‘mis-wired’ cough reflex. Everyday triggers like talking, laughing, cold air or strong smells can set off a chronic irritating cough, even when the lungs are otherwise healthy.

The Solution: Treatment includes medication, inhalers, avoiding triggers, cough avoidance therapy, and learning how to improve breathing and swallowing. The best news is that chronic coughing typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.