Persistent Cough

How To Treat a Persistent Cough

About

A persistent cough is defined as a cough that persists for eight weeks or longer.

Around 20 percent of people develop a cough who takes ACE inhibitors, as per New England Journal of Medicine. [1]

1. Requires acid reflux test, sputum culture, endoscopy and X-rays for diagnosis.
2. Usually treatable.
3. Can happen to men, women, and children.

A persistent cough is also known as a chronic cough. A chronic cough can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. Severe cases can cause vomiting, lightheadedness, and even cause rib fractures. It could be caused because of postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, infections, blood pressure drugs, and chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms

1. Shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting
2. A runny nose, sore throat, stuffy nose, and wheezing
3. Heartburn, chest soreness, and discomfort
4. Sleep loss, frustration, and anxiety
5. Blood in cough in some cases
6. Chest pain, weight loss, and night sweats

Treatment

Self-Care: Your doctor may recommend you to self treat by drinking fluids, avoiding tobacco smoke and sucking on hard candies to ease a dry cough.

Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medications like antibiotics, acid blockers, and cough suppressants.

Specialists: Consult a doctor if the symptoms are evident and the condition worsens. At mfine, we provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans for all health concerns under a team of qualified doctors.