What is chronic cough? If you have a severe cough that has lasted for more than 7-8 weeks, you could be suffering from chronic cough.
In children, a cough that lasts over 4 weeks is considered chronic. It is usually a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue. Causes of chronic cough Postnasal drip – Nose/throat glands secrete mucus to fight infection, keep membranes moist, and act as filters – Too much mucus, or thick/infected mucus can lead to chronic cough – Acclamation of mucus at the back of the throat, frequent throat clearing
Asthma – This disease can cause inflammation of the lungs – It can cause lining of airways to swell up and tighten – This causes difficulty in breathing which leads to bouts of coughing – If left untreated, the cough can become chronic
Acid reflux – Occurs when acids in your stomach move back along the esophagus – It irritates the lining of the throat – This can lead to chronic cough
Bronchiectasis: – Is an inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes – The tubes get thick and fill with mucus – This can get infected too – The thick mucus/ infection can give rise to a persistent cough
Pulmonary infections – Caused by inflammations and infections of the lungs like pneumonia – Can cause inflammation in the air sacs – Can trigger chronic cough
Smoking and Environmental Pollution – Can give rise to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or lung cancer which causes chronic cough – Can cause acid reflux that triggers chronic cough
Other common causes for chronic cough that can include:- • Rhinosinusitis • Eosinophilic Bronchitis • Weak throat muscles • Heart failure • Psychological disorders • Lung cancer
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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