Understanding Chronic Coughing: Causes, Effects and Management

Posted on by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

Chronic coughing is defined as a persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks. While occasional coughing can be a nuisance, chronic coughing can have more serious effects. It can disturb your sleep, lead to exhaustion and, in severe cases, cause vomiting, lightheadedness and even rib fractures.

Chronic coughing is often linked to several underlying conditions. Three primary culprits include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma and postnasal drip.

GERD

Man coughing while holding his chest.

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently rises through the esophagus, irritating the throat and causing a cough. Treatment options for GERD will vary depending on frequency and severity. Antacids, acid production blockers and prescription medicines may successfully manage symptoms for many people. For more severe cases, ENT providers may recommend surgery to prevent stomach acid from rising.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the airways, resulting in symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightening. Asthma symptoms can vary in severity and may be triggered by different factors. While there is no known cure for asthma, inhalers can help minimize symptoms. There are two main types of inhalers: bronchodilators and steroids. Bronchodilators open air passages and relieve symptoms, while steroids reduce inflammation in the airways to manage symptoms and prevent severe attacks.

Postnasal Drip

Excess mucus from the nasal passages can drip down the back of the throat, leading to throat clearing, sore throat and chronic coughing. Common postnasal drip causes include cold and flu, allergies, deviated septum, bacterial infections and chronic acid reflux. Your ENT provider can help you tackle postnasal drip by identifying the underlying cause and recommending treatment—whether through fluid intake, allergy medication, antibiotics, diet change, surgery or other routes.

GERD, asthma and postnasal drip account for about 90% of chronic cough cases. Other potential causes include allergies, bronchiectasis, fungal infections, nontuberculous mycobacteria infections, sinus conditions, bronchitis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and upper respiratory infections.

Home Remedies for Chronic Cough Relief

In addition to medical treatments, you can soothe a sore throat and alleviate chronic coughing by staying hydrated, using cough drops, gurgling with saltwater and grabbing a few Pop Stand popsicles when you experience soreness.

Chronic coughing can significantly impact your quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent coughing, contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options with our specialists.