Are you fed up with your stubborn cough? There
are many reasons why a cough may not improve, and that can be frustrating for
people and their doctors alike.
The most common cause of chronic cough is
predictable. It's the aftermath of a cold or other viral infection, says Norman
H. Edelman, MD, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. Most
cold symptoms may go away after a few days. Your cough, though, can
hang around
for weeks, sometimes for months, because viruses can cause your airways to
become swollen and oversensitive. This can last long after the virus is gone.
Allergies and asthma are common causes of a
cough. A cold can even cause an asthma attack. Some people learn they have
asthma during a cold.
Acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea can
also cause a chronic cough. Fortunately, these conditions are treatable. See
your doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you have symptoms of acid reflux,
including:
- Burping
- Heartburn
- Ongoing cough
- Regurgitation
- Insomnia
- Loud snoring
- Nighttime choking or gasping
- Repeated awakenings
- Sleepiness during the day
Stress, especially when it's chronic, can make
colds last longer. To beat back a lingering cough, slow down and ease stress
while you're sick. Pushing yourself too hard might just make you sicker. One
way to relax is to rest more: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
When you have a cold or the flu, you need to
drink a lot of fluids. Water, juice, and soup can help loosen mucus in your
airways so you can cough it up and out. Alcohol and drinks with caffeine in
them are not helpful choices because they can dehydrate you -- the opposite of
what you need when you're sick. Another way to add moisture to your airways is
by using a saline nasal spray.
Reason 5: Overusing
OTC Nasal Decongestant Spray
Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant
sprays may help with a stuffy or runny nose. Don't use them for more than 3
days, though. If you do, when you finally stop taking them, your symptoms may
be worse -- a rebound effect. Those excess sprays make your nasal membranes
swell, which triggers more congestion, postnasal drip, and coughing.
Reason 6: Air That's
Too Dry or Too Moist
"Dry air -- especially common in the
winter -- can irritate a cough," Edelman says. On the other hand, cranking
up the humidifier too high isn't helpful, either. Moist air can be a trigger
for asthma and encourage the growth of dust mites and mold, allergens that may
start you hacking.
"People should aim for humidity levels of
40% to 50% in their homes, winter and summer," Edelman says.
Reason 7: Bacterial
Infection
Sometimes, a cold can leave behind an
unwelcome parting gift. When your airways are raw and irritated after a cold,
it's easier for bacteria to invade. Bacteria can cause sinus infections,
bronchitis, and pneumonia. If you have a fever or pain along with your
lingering cough, a bacterial infection could be the reason. See your doctor, as
you may need to take an antibiotic.
Reason 8: Your Blood
Pressure Medicine
Do you take medicine for high blood pressure?
If so, that may be why your cough won't quit. About 1 out of 5 people who take
ACE inhibitors develop a chronic, dry cough as a side effect. If you have this
side effect, talk to your doctor. Another drug may work better for you. There
are many available ACE inhibitors, including:
- Altace (ramipril)
- Capoten (captopril)
- Lotensin (benazepril)
- Prinivil, Zestril (lisinopril)
- Vasotec (enalapril)
If your cough isn’t getting better after a week, call your doctor. Together, you can find out what’s causing your cough and make sure you get the right treatment.
(Source: www.webmd.com, Author: R. Morgan Griffin, Reviewed
by Michael W. Smith, MD)
No comments:
Post a Comment