Cough is a natural reflex that clears the respiratory tract of foreign substances, microbes, and mucus. However, sometimes this reflex can be a sign of underlying health issues. Especially when a cough lasts for more than a few weeks or evolves into chronic cough, which can disrupt sleep at night, it may need to be assessed by a specialist.
What Are the Types of Cough?
Cough is classified into different types based on its duration, nature, and accompanying symptoms.
-
Acute Cough
A cough lasting less than 3 weeks is defined as acute cough. Common causes include flu, colds, and allergic reactions. It is often temporary and resolves with the healing of the underlying infection.
-
Subacute Cough
This type of cough can last between 3 to 8 weeks. It usually occurs following viral infections and is also known as post-infectious cough.
-
Chronic Cough
A cough lasting longer than 8 weeks is considered a chronic cough and may indicate a serious underlying condition. Asthma, COPD, reflux, tuberculosis, and sinusitis can all contribute to chronic cough.
-
Dry (Non-Productive) Cough
A dry cough does not produce phlegm or mucus. It may coexist with an itching, burning sensation, or tickling in the throat. This type of cough can be caused by allergies, reflux, air pollution, cigarette smoke, or certain medications.
-
Productive Cough
Productive cough results from the accumulation of excess mucus in the respiratory tract. It can develop due to infections or chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and bronchitis.
-
Nocturnal Cough
Coughs that intensify at night are commonly seen in cases of asthma, reflux, and post-nasal drip. The mucus dripping into the throat or the upward flow of stomach acid can trigger the cough reflex during sleep.
-
Allergic Cough
Allergic cough develops following exposure to allergens such as pollen, animal dander, dust, or mold. It is often dry and repetitive, sometimes accompanied by symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Moving away from the allergen environment and obtaining allergy treatment as recommended by a doctor can alleviate the symptoms.
What Causes Chronic Cough?
Cough is a reflex for clearing the respiratory tract; however, a cough that lasts more than 2 weeks and doesn't go away is not just a symptom of discomfort but often indicates an underlying health issue. Chronic cough can arise from various causes, such as respiratory tract infections, allergic diseases, reflux, asthma, smoking, and environmental factors.
- Post-Nasal Drip
It involves mucus produced by the nose and sinuses that drips down the back of the throat due to conditions like flu, allergies, and sinusitis. This continual irritation of the throat triggers the cough reflex.
- Asthma and Allergies
In cough-variant asthma, the primary symptom can be a persistent dry cough instead of the classic shortness of breath. Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander can trigger a cough.
- Reflux Disease
Reflux can cause irritation in the throat and lungs. Cough related to reflux usually increases after meals or while lying down, often causing nighttime coughing episodes.
- Respiratory Diseases
Persistent cough complaints can be related to lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchiectasis, and pneumonia.
- Environmental Irritants and Smoking
Cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusty environments cause constant irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to chronic cough.
How Is Persistent Cough Diagnosed?
A detailed evaluation is necessary to diagnose persistent cough. The diagnostic process typically involves listening to the patient's history and conducting a physical examination. The duration, nature, triggering factors, and accompanying symptoms of the cough are important for diagnosis.
If necessary, tests such as chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, sinus CT, or allergy tests may be conducted. In particular, for suspected reflux, pH measurement or endoscopy may be performed, while in infection-related cases, sputum culture or blood tests might be preferred.
How Is Persistent Cough Treated?
The treatment for persistent cough should be personalized and targeted at the source of the cough. If the cough is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy under a doctor's supervision may be applied.
In cases of allergic cough, avoiding allergens, keeping the air environment clean, and using antihistamine medications if necessary can be beneficial.
For coughs related to asthma or COPD, inhalers that open the airways provide relief by reducing resistance in the respiratory tract with regular use. Adhering to the treatment plan recommended by a doctor is crucial for patients with these conditions.
If sinusitis or post-nasal drip is causing the cough, nasal decongestant sprays, mucus-relieving treatments, or medications targeting allergies may be used. Alleviating blockages in the sinuses reduces mucus dripping into the throat and eases the cough.
Smoking is also one of the main causes of long-lasting coughs; thus, quitting smoking is one of the most effective steps in treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is good for a dry cough?
For a dry cough, consuming warm liquids, keeping the throat moist, avoiding cigarette smoke, and maintaining a humid environment can be beneficial. Medications recommended by a specialist may also be used if necessary.
What helps with nighttime coughing fits?
For coughs that increase at night, taking a warm shower before bed, elevating the pillow slightly, and humidifying the room air can be helpful. In case of reflux-related cough, avoiding heavy meals before bed is advisable.
What can be done at home for persistent cough?
Drinking plenty of water, keeping the air moist, and avoiding irritating smells can help ease persistent cough. However, if the cough persists, seeking medical advice instead of home treatment is recommended.
When is persistent cough dangerous?
Coughs lasting more than three weeks, accompanied by shortness of breath, bloody sputum, chest pain, or weight loss should definitely be evaluated by a specialist.