Cough is a reflex that helps to clear the airways of mucus, germs, bacteria and foreign bodies. Cough, which works like a defense mechanism in the body, is often considered normal. However, the cough in some cases is persistent and may persist for a long time. A cough that does not go away is the type that lasts longer than 3 weeks and is bothersome to people. This type of cough can often indicate respiratory diseases. persistent cough; It may also occur due to allergenic substances, post-nasal drip, sputum, smoking or as a symptom of some diseases. Cough that does not go away can be controlled with medications used with the advice of a doctor and some lifestyle changes. In the continuation of the article, you can find more comprehensive answers to the questions "Causes of persistent cough?" and "What to do for cough that does not go away".
What are the Causes of Persistent Cough?
Cough, throat and air It's a natural reflex to clear their way. Cough is a condition that often goes away on its own and does not require any treatment. However, this situation can become stubborn for various reasons and may cause complaints of "cough does not go away" in people. A cough that does not go away can have different causes ranging from postnasal drip to cancer. In general, some answers to the question "What causes a persistent cough?" are: Therefore, the body develops a cough reflex to expel the mucus from the lungs. This cough with phlegm may turn into a cough that lasts longer by irritating the bronchi over time.
Allergens Being allergic to any substance such as dust, pollen, mold, smoke, odor, detergent are the reasons that trigger cough. Exposure to allergens can cause the lungs to overreact. In this case, the lungs try to expel allergen substances from the body by coughing. can occur as a result of flu, colds, upper respiratory tract infections and allergies. Mucus accumulates in the airways that are blocked for various reasons. The accumulated mucus is back from the throat. may flow and cause coughing.
Acid Reflux Reflux may be one of the leading factors that cause persistent cough. Reflux is the condition that the food that has not been fully digested in the stomach mixes with the stomach acids and comes back to the throat. stomach acids; can cause coughing by irritating the throat, trachea and vocal cords. Cough that starts especially at night can be seen as a result of reflux.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) One of the most characteristic features of COPD is a cough that does not go away. This condition weakens the alveoli (tiny sacs) in the airways that carry oxygen to the blood and remove carbon monoxide, and destroys the lung. As a result of this situation, it becomes difficult for the fresh air to be transmitted to the lungs and a persistent cough is observed.
Asthma Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to narrow and swell. In this case, the body produces mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. Excess mucus formed in the lungs and airways is expelled by coughing. Among the factors that trigger asthma exacerbations and increase coughing can be dust, pollen, smoke, polluted air, cold and stress.
Heart FailureHeart failure disease; It is a condition that causes the heart to not pump adequately, clogging the arteries, and high blood pressure. Heart failure can cause a cough with mucus that is white or pink in color.
Lung CancerLung cancer is a serious disease that causes a persistent cough. The persistent cough, which is frequently seen in lung cancer, may be accompanied by other symptoms. Among these symptoms; There are wheezing, breathing difficulties, chest pain, and coughing up blood mixed with sputum or without sputum.
Obstructive Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is when the throat muscles that relax during sleep close the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Although snoring is the most prominent feature of sleep apnea, studies have reported that sleep apnea may be a cause of persistent cough. ' may be at the top of the questions parents ask doctors. Cough in children is a common and common condition, and if this does not last long and does not cause fever, malaria or sleep problems, it can often be considered normal. However, the low immune system of young children can cause frequent illness and coughing that does not go away. Especially in frequent colds and flu, the mucus flowing backwards from the throat can cause a long-lasting cough. If the cough persists for more than 3 weeks in children as in adults, and this condition is accompanied by other symptoms, there may be an underlying condition. In general, the causes of persistent cough in children are as follows:
• Allergies• Asthma-Bronchitis diseases• Upper or lower respiratory tract infections (croup, pneumonia, tonsillitis, whooping cough, sinusitis, ear infections, etc.)• Congenital lung anomalies• Presence of tumor or mass in the lung• Low immune system• Nasal congestion• Presence in high heat and dry air• Exposure to cigarette smoke or polluted air
When to Go to the Doctor?
For coughs that last longer than three weeks, a Chest Diseases specialist should be consulted. If the cough has reached a level that interferes with daily life and shows other symptoms, it is absolutely necessary to go to a doctor. Some of the situations that should not be delayed in seeing a doctor for a cough that does not go away are as follows:
• If there is a cough that gets worse and faster with each passing day• If chest pain has started• If fatigue and exhaustion is felt• If there is unexplained weight loss• If there is swelling and pain in the lower part of the neck• Breathing If there is difficulty in shopping • If there is fever and night sweats • If it causes sleep problems • If there is confusion in consciousness • If the body's immune system is low
What to Do for a Cough That Doesn't Go away?
from time to time, it can become a disruption in your daily life. Undoubtedly, the first thing to do for a cough that does not go away is to apply to a health institution. After the doctor's examination and the necessary examinations, you can receive the recommended treatment. However, cough that does not go away can be seen at home in addition to medical treatment. It can also be improved with some methods and lifestyle changes that can be applied. In general, some answers to the question of "How does a persistent cough and phlegm go?" gargling with salt water • Avoiding cigarette smoke, polluted air or air-conditioned environments • Avoiding allergens such as detergents, dust, mold, etc. • Adding honey and ginger to herbal teas to relieve cough and clear the throat • Using seawater sprays to keep the nose open and prevent it from drying out • Having a humidifier, especially in the sleeping room
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the symptom of a cough that does not go away? A cough that does not go away is sometimes a reaction to allergens, sometimes infectious diseases, sometimes cancer or tuberculosis. It can be a symptom of more serious conditions such as tuberculosis (TB). For this reason, some tests and imaging studies should be performed for the most accurate diagnosis.
How many days is a cough dangerous?“How many days does the cough last?” The question may be at the beginning of the questions directed to the doctors by people with a complaint of cough that does not go away. This condition is considered normal, usually up to 3 weeks. However, cough that lasts for 3 weeks and up to 8 weeks can indicate a dangerous situation.
What does a dry cough that does not go away indicate? However, a dry cough that does not go away can also be a sign of more serious diseases such as reflux, lung damage, heart failure, tuberculosis in some people.
Is a persistent cough dangerous? If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition. persistent cough; It can cause headache, dizziness and rib fractures. As a result of the medical evaluations, you can learn the cause of the cough and get an appropriate treatment.
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