What can cause a cough to last for months?

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– Postnasal drip (also called the upper airway cough syndrome).
– Asthma.
– Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
– Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
– Therapy with angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Advertisement. While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that’s triggering a chronic cough, the most common causes are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux. Fortunately, chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.

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Moreover, Why is my cough not going away?

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.

Secondly, How do I stop a congested cough?

– Warm fluids. Hot beverages can provide immediate and sustained relief from a mucus buildup in the chest.
– Steam. Keeping the air moist can loosen mucus and reduce congestion and coughing.
– Saltwater.
– Honey.
– Foods and herbs.
– Essential oils.
– Elevate the head.
– N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Simply so, How do you get rid of a persistent cough with phlegm?

Gargle salt water Gargling warm salt water can help clear phlegm that’s hanging on the back of your throat. It may even kill germs and soothe your sore throat. Mix together a cup of water with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Warm water works best because it dissolves the salt more quickly.

Is it normal for a cough to last 3 months?

Less often, a cough lingers for several weeks, months, or even years. When you keep coughing without an obvious cause, you may have something serious. A cough that lasts eight weeks or more is called a chronic cough. Even chronic coughs often have a treatable cause.


17 Related Question Answers Found

 

How long is too long for a cough?

Most of the time, a cough is acute, or temporary. Most acute coughs last around 3 weeks or less. Sometimes, a cough may last longer than 3 weeks, becoming subacute or chronic. This can be due to a postnasal drip, the effects of an infection, or an underlying health condition.

Why do I have a congested cough?

When you’re congested, mucus drips down from your nose into your throat, and makes you cough. You can get postnasal drip from colds, flu, sinus infections, allergies, and other problems.

What does a congested cough mean?

2 min read. A productive (‘wet’ or chesty) cough is when you have a cough that produces mucus or phlegm (sputum). You may feel congested and have a ‘rattly’ or ‘tight’ chest. Symptoms are often worse when waking up from sleep and when talking. The wet cough may be the last symptom left after a common cold infection.

Is it normal to have a chesty cough for 3 months?

Chronic bronchitis is a daily productive cough that lasts for 3 months of the year and for at least 2 years in a row. It’s 1 of a number of lung conditions, including emphysema, that are collectively known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It mostly affects adults over the age of 40.

How long does it take for a phlegmy cough to go away?

Most acute coughs last around 3 weeks or less. Sometimes, a cough may last longer than 3 weeks, becoming subacute or chronic. This can be due to a postnasal drip, the effects of an infection, or an underlying health condition.

Can a viral cough last 3 months?

Post-viral coughs often clear up on their own over time, usually within two months. But in the meantime, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications can offer some relief. These include: prescription inhaled ipratropium (Atrovent), which opens up your airways and prevents mucus accumulation.

How do you get rid of a long term cough?

– Drink fluids. Liquid helps thin the mucus in your throat.
– Suck on cough drops or hard candies. They may ease a dry cough and soothe an irritated throat.
– Consider taking honey. A teaspoon of honey may help loosen a cough.
– Moisturize the air.
– Avoid tobacco smoke.

How long can a viral cough last?

Coughs associated with a cold or the flu tend to last a week or 2, most clearing up within about 3 weeks. A post-viral cough may persist for several (up to about 8) weeks after a viral illness, while some coughs persist for longer and are usually a sign of an underlying problem.

How do you get rid of a cough in 5 minutes?

– Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water to thin mucus.
– Inhale steam: Take a hot shower, or boil water and pour into a bowl, face the bowl (stay at least 1 foot away), place a towel over the back of your head to form a tent and inhale.
– Use a humidifier to loosen mucus.

What is a persistent cough a sign of?

While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that’s triggering a chronic cough, the most common causes are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux. Fortunately, chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.

How do you decongest a cough?

Moisture. A simple and all-natural way to loosen up chest congestion is to take a hot, steamy shower. Warm and moist air can help relieve a stubborn cough by loosening mucus in the airway. You can also try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air you breathe.

How do you get rid of a viral cough?

– drinking plenty of warm liquids, such as tea or broth, to soothe throat irritation from coughing.
– using a humidifier or taking a steamy shower to add moisture to the air around you.
– avoiding or protecting yourself against throat irritants, such as cigarette smoke or polluted air.


Last Updated: 14 days ago – Co-authors : 16 – Users : 8

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