Chronic Cough in Adults

Coughing is a normal cleansing route of the body to get rid of the unwanted mucus as well as phlegm in the breathing tubes. Coughing also helps in clearing off the dust particles and foreign matter that has gained an entry into the upper respiratory system. However, sometimes there are times when this normal coughing turns into chronic cough in adults. This is a very irritating condition not only for patient but others around him. One cannot work peacefully, have a normal social life as well as fail to have a good nights sleep due to constant coughing. Many times chronic cough may be a sign of underlying disease. This condition may last well over 6 weeks and turn into an exhausting and debilitating disorder.

Causes of Chronic Cough

An irritant like dust, perfume, spicy food or stomach mucus may irritate and stimulate the respiratory tract. This causes an occasional bout of coughing in adults. But if this turns into chronic coughing in adults, there may be a number of factors responsible for it.

Postnasal Drip
The secretions of the nose drip into the back of the throat called postnasal drip. These secretions irritate the throat that turns into a trigger for postnasal drip cough in adults. People who are suffering from allergies, colds, rhinitis and sinusitis mostly develop chronic cough due to postnatal drip.

Asthma
The second most common cause of chronic cough is asthma. Asthmatics not only have chronic cough but also suffer from wheezing as well as shortness of breath. Chronic cough is also seen in people with a condition called cough variant asthma. This is a condition where the cough is the only symptom of asthma.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
This is also one of the causes of chronic coughing in adults. In this condition, the stomach acid flows back in to the esophagus causing constant irritation to the throat, esophagus as well as lungs. This acid reflux leaves a sour taste in the mouth and causes heart burn.

Respiratory Tract Infection
After suffering from a bad case of cold, flu, upper respiratory tract infection or pneumonia, one may continue to suffer from chronic cough. This is because the airways are inflamed and take longer to become normal again. Also, these airways are highly sensitive after an infection and chronic coughing is triggered by the tiniest of the irritants in the airways. In some cases, tuberculosis can also be seen as one of the causes for chronic cough with phlegem.

Angiotensin - Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
These are common prescription drugs for high blood pressure and heart failure. It is seen 20% of the people taking these drugs suffer from chronic cough. Chronic cough can start within a week of taking the drug or maybe even after 6 months. After the drugs are stopped, the chronic cough disappears in a few days or lingerer about a month or so.

Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a condition seen in smokers that is caused due to damage to the airways and lungs. The major airway tubes are inflamed in this condition. One suffers from congestion, breathlessness, wheezing and chronic cough. Chronic coughing in adults makes them throw out a brownish discolored sputum.

Bronchiectasis
This is serious medical condition that occurs due to abnormal widening of the bronchial tubes. This prevents the tubes to clear the mucus from the lungs. This condition usually occurs after pneumonia. You may observe the signs and symptoms related to bronchiectasis like shortness of breath, fatigue, chronic cough leading to discolored sputum or blood.

Lung Cancer
There are many people with lung cancer who suffer from chronic cough. It is usually seen in current and former smokers.

If the cough persists for more than 6 to 8 weeks, consult a doctor. The doctor may carry out diagnostic tests like X-ray, pulmonary function tests, bronchial challenge or even esophageal pH monitoring. These procedures will help identify the cause of chronic cough. The chronic cough remedies includes use of antihistamines and decongestants for treating allergies and post natal drips. In case of asthma related chronic cough, inhaled corticosteroids may be prescribed. Medications for treating acid reflux like rabeprazole, esomeprazole, etc. may be advised. If the causes are not known, then a cough suppressant may be given. If you are having any further doubts regarding chronic coughing in adults, speak to your doctor for more information.