A prolonged cough can be a common symptom resulting from an infection or allergy. If a cough continues for a long time and is accompanied by various symptoms, it could also be an indication of a serious health issue. Especially coughs lasting more than 3 weeks accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, weight loss, and blood in sputum, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Such conditions could be indicators of a more serious underlying disease, where early diagnosis can be crucial.
What is a Prolonged Cough (Chronic Cough)?
A prolonged cough is categorized based on its duration and symptoms:
Acute cough is a cough lasting less than 3 weeks. This type of cough is usually the result of viral infections like the common cold. While the body fights viruses, irritation can occur in the respiratory tract, leading to an acute cough.
Subacute cough lasts between 3 to 8 weeks. Subacute cough can occur due to lower respiratory tract infections like bronchitis. It is seen in the recovery period of infections caused by viruses.
The longest and most concerning cough is Chronic cough. Chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, or reflux can lead to chronic cough. Untreated chronic cough can lead to more serious complications over time.
Identifying and classifying different types of cough in the body helps in determining appropriate treatment approaches.
Most Common Causes of Chronic Cough
Although often treatable, the causes behind chronic cough should not be ignored. Common causes include:
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Asthma
A cough that worsens at night and is accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing might be caused by asthma. An asthma-related cough is usually dry and persistent.
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Allergy and Post-Nasal Drip
Conditions like allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis can cause continuous drainage down the throat, triggering the cough reflex. Post-nasal drip-related cough is often accompanied by a tickling sensation in the throat.
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COPD and Chronic Bronchitis
A cough frequently seen in smokers may be productive (sputum-producing) and persistent. It tends to be more prevalent in the morning and can intensify over time.
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Drug Side Effects
ACE inhibitors used in the treatment of high blood pressure can cause a dry and prolonged cough.
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Lung Cancer
Cough can sometimes be the first sign of a serious condition. If a cough persists, worsens, or is accompanied by bloody sputum, chest pain, and shortness of breath, it should not be neglected.
Diagnostic and Treatment Process
In cases of prolonged cough, a thorough assessment should be conducted to determine the underlying cause. This process begins with taking the patient's history. Details about how long the cough has been present, at what times of day it worsens, and any accompanying symptoms (such as sputum, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, weight loss) guide the diagnosis.
Tests that can be performed during the diagnostic stage:
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Chest X-ray: It is conducted to detect infections, masses, or other abnormalities in the lungs.
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Respiratory function tests: Preferred for diagnosing diseases like asthma or COPD.
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Blood tests: Helpful in assessing infections, immune status, or systemic diseases like tuberculosis.
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CT scan: May be required for a detailed evaluation of the lungs.
The treatment process then adapts according to the diagnosis:
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For cough related to allergy and post-nasal drip: Allergy medications and nasal sprays can be used.
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In respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD: Inhalers, corticosteroids, or a long-term treatment plan may be determined.
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If a drug side effect is detected: Changing the relevant medication might resolve the cough.
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In serious cases (such as suspicion of a tumor): More extensive tests and referrals are conducted.
Not every cough develops for the same reasons; identifying the source of the problem through the evaluation of a specialist doctor is the most accurate step towards treatment.
Home Treatment Methods for Cough
Some simple measures that can be taken at home may help reduce the severity of a cough.
- Increase Fluid Intake
Drinking fluids, such as herbal teas and warm beverages, can soothe the throat and lessen the cough reflex.
- Increase Ambient Humidity
Dry air can particularly trigger coughs during the winter months. Humidifiers can be used to balance room humidity, or simple methods such as placing a bowl of water on top of a radiator can be of benefit.
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Avoiding Irritants
Irritants such as cigarette smoke, heavy perfumes, dust, and air pollution may increase cough. Staying away from these types of irritants can provide significant relief, especially for individuals with sensitive respiratory tracts.
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Resting the Vocal Cords
Constant speaking may further strain an already irritated throat due to coughing. Resting the vocal cords can support the healing process.
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Keeping the Head Elevated
If you have a nighttime cough, elevating your pillow to keep your head up can prevent stomach acid from rising and reduce cough associated with reflux.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a cough to not go away for 3 weeks?
Coughs lasting over 3 weeks are considered “subacute” and should be monitored. If it exceeds 8 weeks, it should definitely be evaluated by a specialist as it could indicate a serious underlying condition.
Is a persistent cough always a sign of a serious illness?
No, not every prolonged cough indicates a serious illness. Conditions like allergy and reflux, which can become chronic, might cause cough. In some cases, they may be symptoms of lung diseases; thus, an evaluation by a specialist is recommended.
Should I see a doctor even if there are no other complaints besides a cough?
If a cough persists for more than 8 weeks and starts affecting daily life, a doctor's examination can be carried out to identify the underlying cause, even if there are no other symptoms.
Can reflux cause cough?
Yes, the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (reflux) can cause a dry and persistent cough, especially at night or after meals. This condition can be accompanied by a burning sensation and tickling in the throat.