A cough is considered chronic if it lasts for longer than two months for adults (or one month for children).
Chronic cough can be severely debilitating, particularly if it interferes with a peaceful night’s sleep. Repeated coughing can also be exhausting, & in extreme cases can cause dizziness, vomiting, & fractured ribs.
Causes
The vast majority of short-term coughs are caused by cold & flu viruses, or by more serious infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Other chronic conditions such as asthma, heartburn, or allergies can cause a cough, & coughing is a side effect of some blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors).
Other causes of cough include:
- Smoking
- Postnasal drip (mucous drips down into the throat from the sinuses, causing irritation)
- Bronchiectasis
- Sarcoidosis
In very rare cases, a cough is a sign of something more serious, such as cancer. Coughing up blood is an urgent symptom & should be addressed by a doctor immediately.
Symptoms
- Sinus symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, or postnasal drip
- ore throat
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Heartburn
- Blood in expectorating (this is rare & should be treated as a medical emergency)
What to do next?
Coughs are usually not caused by a serious underlying condition, but we advise you to come in & have a doctor evaluate your condition & give you a diagnosis, especially if it is chronic, persistent, or if you are coughing up blood.
Give us a call to make an appointment over the phone, or use our online booking system.
