CHRONIC OR RECURRENT COUGH Expert in Perumbakkam

Your Trusted Partner in CHRONIC OR RECURRENT COUGH

Chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts eight weeks or longer, on some or most days. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.

Understanding CHRONIC OR RECURRENT COUGH

Symptoms of Chronic and recurrent Cough

Causes of Chronic and Recurrent

  • Aspiration (food in adults; foreign bodies in children)
  • Bronchiectasis (damaged, dilated airways)
  • Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the very small airways of the lung)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux (stomach acid flows up into the throat)
  • Lung cancer
  • Nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (airway inflammation not caused by asthma)
  • Sarcoidosis (collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of your body, most commonly the lungs)
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (chronic scarring of the lungs due to an unknown cause)

Lab tests

  • Bronchoscopy: Using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (bronchoscope), your doctor can look at your lungs and air passages. A biopsy can also be taken from the inside lining of your airway (mucosa) to look for abnormalities.
  • Rhinoscopy: Using a fiberoptic scope (rhinoscope), your doctor can view your nasal passageways, sinuses and upper airway.

Treatments

        Antihistamines, corticosteroids and                                     decongestants

  • Antibiotics for treating active infections.
  • Bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids for underlying lung conditions.
  • Management of contributing factors (e.g., smoking cessation, allergen avoidance).

                                        Inhaled asthma drugs

  • Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
  • Practicing good hygiene to reduce infection risk.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

                              Acid blockers

When lifestyle changes don’t take care of acid reflux, you may be treated with medications that block acid production. Some people need surgery to resolve the problem.

                                           Antibiotics

If a bacterial, fungal or mycobacterial infection is causing your chronic cough, your doctor may prescribe medications to address the infection.

Frequently Asked Question on Chronic and Recurrent Cough
When is a cough considered chronic?

A cough is considered chronic if it lasts more than four weeks.

What if my cough is not stopping?

What does a lingering cough indicate? A cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks may be a symptom of several conditions, including asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or some respiratory conditions. It could also be caused by smoking or the use of certain medications.

What is best home remedy for dry cough?

Home remedies to relieve a dry cough include staying hydrated, using a humidifier, sucking on lozenges or throat candies, drinking warm herbal teas and avoiding irritants like smoke or strong odours. However, if a dry cough persists or worsens, seeking medical advice is recommended.

What causes recurrence of cough?

Dozens of conditions can cause a recurrent, lingering cough, but the cough is caused by just five: postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis, and treatment with ACE inhibitors, used for high blood pressure and heart failure.