Chronic cough is among the leading causes of doctor visits in the U.S., and according to the Mayo Clinic, up to 53 percent of those have more than one cause. Accordingly, treating and diagnosing a chronic cough can involve many tests and research into your family history, and while it can make working difficult and impede sleep, most patients who visit their family practitioner will find an effective treatment that will enable them to manage their cough.
Definition
The common cough typically becomes chronic when it lasts for three weeks or more, though some physicians believe it must last seven to eight weeks before it can be given that classification. If you have a cough that produces phlegm or blood or does not go away, see your physician as soon as possible.
Causes of Chronic Cough
Chronic cough can be the result of many factors, with the most common being smoking. Asthma, acid reflux, bronchitis, postnasal drip and bronchial inflammation may also lead to a chronic cough.
Health History
It's important that your doctor knows your medical and family history as he compiles information about your condition. She will also need to know whether the cough gets worse when you're at work, whether you also have facial or tooth pain and if you have also recently lost weight. At times a cough may be the only symptom, which makes diagnosis difficult.
Diagnostic Tests
A physician will most likely begin with a chest X-ray to determine if you have bronchitis or pneumonia, as well as to rule out lung cancer and other diseases. A CT scan will provide chest images and help the doctor identify the presence of an infection.
There are numerous noninvasive tests that can help indicate the amount of air in the lungs. These tests will help to determine if there is an infection, obstruction or other problem that is reducing air flow.
Treatment for Chronic Cough
A chronic cough is often treated with medications such as antihistamines, decongestants or corticosteroids, and your doctor may recommend a cough suppressant to help reduce stress on air passages and lungs. Medication can reduce postnasal drip, coughing and inflammation of the air passages, and acid production. Over-the-counter medications may provide some relief for coughing but will not treat the cause.
Prevention of Chronic Cough
Avoid smoking and inhaling harmful fumes and use an air purifier in your home to help circulate and purify the air you regularly breathe.
Tags: Chronic Cough, chronic cough, Chronic cough, family history, postnasal drip