A persistent cough is a nuisance. But never ignore it. It is you body’s way of saying that something is wrong with it. While occasional coughing is normal and helps in clearing the respiratory tract of irritants, a cough that lingers on for weeks, should not be ignored. At Eastern Diagnostics, we believe in understanding the underlying causes of a persistent cough is essential for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s read and understand the possible messages your cough might be sending.
Common Causes of Persistent Cough
Respiratory Infections: The most frequent causes of a persistent cough are respiratory infections, like common cold, influenza or pneumonia. Even after the primary infection resolves, the cough can linger as the respiratory systems continues to heal. This type of cough is usually accompanied by symptoms like congestion, sore throat or fatigue.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the air passage. A persistent, dry cough is a common symptom, especially at night or early in the morning .Asthma-related coughs may worsen with exercise, exposure to allergens, or respiratory infections.
Chronis Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD): Chronic bronchitis, a type of COPD, is marked by a long-term cough that lasts for at least three months. This condition is often linked to smoking or exposure to irritants like pollution or chemical fumes. COPD- related coughs usually produce mucus and are accompanied by shortness of breath.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause a chronic cough when stomach acid frequently back up into the oesophagus and irritates the throat. This type of cough is often worse after eating, when lying down, or at night.
Postnasal Drip: Also known as upper airway cough syndrome, postnasal cough occurs when excess mucus from the nose, drips down the back of the throat, triggering a cough reflex. This can be caused by allergies, sinus infections, or even changes in the weather.
Less Common but Serious Causes:
Lung Cancer: While less common, persistent cough can sometimes be a symptom of lung cancer. It’s of particular concern when cough is accompanied by blood, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain.
Heart Failure: A chronic cough that worsens when lying flat could be a sign of heart failure. This condition causes fluid to build up in the lungs, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
Tuberculosis (TB): Although less common in developed countries, TB is a serious bacterial infection that causes a persistent cough, often with blood-tinged sputum, fever, night sweats and weight loss.
Diagnostic Procedures Explained
At Eastern Diagnostics, we employ a comprehensive approach to diagnose the cause of persistent cough, which includes:
Patient History and Physical Examination: It is crucial to understand a patient’s medical history, lifestyle and associated symptoms. A thorough physical examination can provide vital clues.
Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays , or CT Scans can help identify abnormalities in the lungs and air passages.
Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests assess how well the lungs are working and can help in the diagnosis of conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, sputum cultures and allergy tests can identify infections and other underlying conditions.
Endoscopy: In some cases endoscopy may be necessary to examine the oesophagus and stomach, if GERD is suspected.
Eastern Diagnostics’ Commitment
A persistent cough is your body’s signal that something is wrong. It’s important to pay attention to the symptoms and seek medical attention if it persists for more than a few weeks. At Eastern Diagnostics, we are committed to provide thorough and compassionate care to diagnose and treat the root causes of your persistent cough. We appeal to you not to ignore such cough and allow us to find out the underlying causes of your cough and treat them , to improve your health and quality of life.