Cough that won't go away: what could it mean?

Cough that won't go away: what could it mean?

Lung Health
September 24, 2019 , Last updated: July 17, 2024

That annoying cough. It takes hold when you catch a nasty cold, the flu or an upper respiratory infection. For some, it strikes during allergy season. It can happen if you swallow food “down the wrong pipe,” encounter strong fumes, a lot of dust, or smell smoke. During these times, coughing is your body’s automatic response to clear away mucus and other irritants out of the throat and lungs so that you can breathe easily.

Most common cause of cough is common colds which generally do not require any medication, but it should get cleared within 7-10 days. You would need to see a doctor if your cough persists for more than 3 weeks as the condition may indicate something serious. What could be those possibilities? Let’s discuss.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a disease which affects your lungs. There is inflammation of lungs which leads to cough with mucus along with other symptoms such as sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches and fatigue.

Asthma

Asthma is a condition when your airways become oversensitive and causes spasm of your airways which will cause difficulty in breathing along with cough. You will have wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness. It is important to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms. The doctor can recommend you right asthma treatment and identify any triggers of the condition.

Also Read: Asthma Triggers – What can you do about them?

Allergies

Allergies occur as a result of the immune system overreacting to a harmless substance, such as pollen or dust. Coming into contact with these substances can cause a range of symptoms, including: sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itching, skin rashes, sore eyes, coughing.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition wherein stomach acid reaches the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The most common symptom is heartburn, or a burning sensation in the throat that can get worse when lying down. Due to irritation of your airways with acid it may lead to cough, nausea, breathing difficulties.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of lung disease that affects breathing. Smoking tobacco is the main cause of COPD. Breathing difficulties, frequent coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty exhaling, are the main symptoms of COPD.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes the small air sacs in the lung, or alveoli, to become inflamed and fill with fluid. This makes it harder for the lungs to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. Pneumonia can cause a cough that brings up mucus. It may also lead to fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, confusion.

Also Read: Homeopathic solution for upper respiratory tract infections

Post-nasal drip

If you have a cough that's wet and if you can feel the congestion dripping from your sinuses down the back of the throat into the airway, then you know you have a cough caused by a post-nasal drip.

Say goodbye to your cough with homeopathy

Taking proper homoeopathy medicines will cure your cough permanently. Homeopathy treats person as a whole. It increases your immunity. And your tendency of cough goes off. Visit a homeopath for proper homeopathic medicine because homeopathy is based on your whole totality. For more information, you can call us on this number 9033001642 or book an appointment with us: https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment

ASWANI SANTHOSH
Authored By

Dr. ASWANI SANTHOSH

BHMS

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