Chronic cough
| Chronic Cough | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology, Otorhinolaryngology |
| Symptoms | Persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks |
| Complications | Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, physical discomfort |
| Onset | |
| Duration | More than eight weeks |
| Types | |
| Causes | Postnasal drip, Asthma, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Smoking, Chronic bronchitis |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Based on duration and exclusion of other causes |
| Differential diagnosis | Acute cough, Whooping cough |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Based on underlying cause |
| Medication | Antihistamines, Inhaled corticosteroids, Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is present) |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Chronic cough is a medical condition characterized by a cough that lasts more than eight weeks. It is a prevalent issue that can significantly impact the quality of life, leading to problems such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression, as well as physical discomfort.
Causes[edit]
Chronic cough can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Postnasal drip - mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose.
- Asthma - especially cough-variant asthma.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - stomach acids flowing back into the esophagus.
- Smoking - both current and former smokers are at risk.
- Chronic bronchitis - long-term inflammation of the bronchi.
- Environmental factors such as pollutants and allergens.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosing chronic cough involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers may also recommend tests such as chest X-rays, spirometry, and tests for GERD to rule out other causes and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of chronic cough focuses on addressing the underlying cause:
- For asthma, inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators may be prescribed.
- For GERD, lifestyle changes along with medications such as proton pump inhibitors are recommended.
- For postnasal drip, antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are commonly used.
- Smoking cessation is crucial for individuals who smoke.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for chronic cough depends on its underlying cause. With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience significant improvement.
See also[edit]
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