Do you suffer from a continuous cough? This condition certainly really interferes with daily activities. In fact, a cough that doesn’t go away is a normal condition and can be experienced by everyone. However, if the cough shows symptoms that are getting worse, it could indicate an illness. Come on, find out the reasons in this article!
Lung cancer is one of the causes of continuous coughing and other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest pain.
Causes of a Cough That Doesn’t Go Away
The causes of a cough that won’t go away can vary, from easily treatable to much more serious problems. Here are the causes you need to be aware of.
1. Respiratory Tract Infection
Infections of the respiratory tract, such as flu, colds, or bronchitis are causes of coughs that don’t go away. Viruses or bacteria that infect the respiratory tract can stimulate receptors in the throat and bronchi. This condition causes a coughing response as the body’s attempt to clear mucus or annoying particles.
2. Increased Gastric Acid (GERD)
GERD is a condition in which stomach acid rises back into the esophagus from the stomach. Gastric acid reaching the throat can cause irritation and inflammation which can trigger a cough response. This cough often occurs at night or when lying down.
Also Read: Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
3. Allergies
Allergies are an excessive response of the immune system to certain substances that should not cause problems in most people. When you are susceptible to allergies, such as pollen, animal dander, dust, or mold, the body can respond by releasing histamine and other chemicals.
This condition can cause various symptoms, including irritation of the respiratory tract which can produce a cough that doesn’t go away. Cough it is often dry and persistent, and can be exacerbated by environmental conditions or continued exposure to allergens.
4. Air Pollution
Another cause of a cough that won’t heal is air pollution, a condition where the air is contaminated by dangerous particles or chemicals that can harm human health. These particles can come from motor vehicle exhaust, industry, burning fossil fuels, and many other sources.
When exposed to air pollution continuously, the respiratory tract can become irritated and inflamed. This can cause a chronic cough that won’t go away, especially in individuals with high respiratory sensitivity or pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Air pollution can cause chronic coughs in individuals with high respiratory sensitivity or respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.
5. Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is a condition where excessive mucus from the nose flows down the back of the throat. This can occur due to allergies, sinusitis, weather changes, or infection. Postnasal drip can cause throat irritation and stimulate cough receptors, resulting in a cough that won’t go away.
This cough often feels worse in the morning because mucus collects during the night’s sleep. Other symptoms that may be associated include a scratchy throat, hoarseness, and a burning sensation in the esophagus.
Also Read: Coughing Due to Lung Cancer? You Must Be Alert and Recognize
6. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can be one of the causes of a cough that doesn’t go away. Lung cancer is the growth of malignant cells that develop in lung tissue. One of the symptoms that may appear in lung cancer is a continuous cough. This cough may become more frequent and increase in intensity over time.
Lung cancer coughs are often accompanied by altered phlegm production, possibly with the presence of blood. Other possible symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. It’s important to discuss a persistent cough and other symptoms with your doctor, especially if you have risk factors such as a history of smoking or exposure to harmful substances.
7. Chronic bronchitis
Bronchitis Chronic is a chronic inflammatory condition of the respiratory tract leading to the lungs. Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis, but exposure to air pollution or other irritants can also contribute. A cough that won’t go away is the main symptom of chronic bronchitis. This cough can last for several months a year for at least two consecutive years. Cough may be accompanied by excessive phlegm production.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain due to excessive coughing, and the production of more mucus than usual. Avoiding triggers such as smoking and managing symptoms with medical help is essential to managing chronic bronchitis.
8. Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Medication
Some drugs used to control high blood pressure (hypertension) can cause a cough that doesn’t go away as a side effect. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are a type of medication often associated with this side effect. These medications work by relaxing blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure.
However, the side effect can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, resulting in a persistent cough. If you experience a persistent cough after starting high blood pressure medication, it is important to talk to your doctor. The doctor may recommend changing the drug or adjusting the dose.
Also Read: Why Am I Coughing? Find the Answer Here
9. TB (Tuberculosis)
A cough that doesn’t go away can be a symptom of infection tuberculosis lung (TB). TB is a bacterial disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the lungs. TB cough often lasts more than three weeks and can be accompanied by the production of phlegm that changes color to greenish yellow or even bloody.
Apart from coughing, other symptoms that may appear include fever that does not go away, night sweats, unusual weight loss, and severe fatigue. If you have these symptoms or have a history of contact with someone who has TB, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of TB is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and avoid more serious complications.
If you have a cough that doesn’t go away and your symptoms get worse, see a doctor to get the right treatment. The doctor will give you medication according to the cause you are experiencing.
Treatment from a doctor can also be more effective if you follow several treatment steps, such as getting enough rest, maintaining humidity, changing to a healthier diet, and making sure your fluid needs are met.
Has been reviewed by Dr. Sony Prabowo
Source:
2023-09-22 02:11:10
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