Cough may occur due to different reasons. It can occur due to conditions such as flu, flu or cold, as well as diseases such as tuberculosis, heart failure, reflux, fluid accumulation in the lungs, postnasal drip and asthma. When cough of different types continues for longer than normal, a doctor should be consulted without delay. Because cough can also be a sign of very serious diseases. Unconscious use of medication should also be avoided, especially in cases of persistent cough.
Persistent cough may occur mainly due to frequently recurring infections in the upper respiratory tract. However, this type of cough may also occur due to other reasons. The presence of diseases such as lung diseases, heart failure, reflux, and tuberculosis can also cause a persistent cough. Therefore, it is extremely important not to waste time in seeing a doctor. If left untreated, the cough may progress further and be accompanied by other symptoms. It is also known to cause dizziness, headaches and even rib fractures.
What are the causes of persistent cough?
Persistent cough may also occur in allergic conditions. The cough seen in such cases is a dry cough. It is phlegm-free. There are many factors that can cause allergies in indoor or outdoor areas. If the cough is caused by allergies, the cause that triggers the cough must be determined.
Causes of persistent cough are:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Postnasal drip
- Allergic conditions and factors
- acid reflux
- COPD disease (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Asthma
- Heart failure
- Medicines used for some other diseases
- Obstructive sleep apnea
A persistent cough can also be a sign of very serious diseases. If a cough lasts more than three weeks, it is considered a persistent cough and you should see a doctor as soon as possible. First of all, the cause should be determined and treatment should be started without wasting time.
Sometimes, after recovering from an illness such as a cold, flu or flu, the cough associated with these illnesses may continue after the illness ends. Although this situation, which is frequently seen in cold weather especially during the winter months, seems normal, it can also cause serious problems.
What is good for a persistent cough?
It is possible to prevent persistent cough conditions that can be seen in children or adults under the supervision of a doctor. Apart from this, there are some precautions that patients should take. These measures are:
- Gargling with salty and carbonated water to expectorate phlegm and soothe the throat.
- Avoiding environments with cigarette smoke or polluted air as much as possible
- Staying away from substances that may cause allergic reactions such as dust, mold and detergent
- Keeping the throat moist by drinking plenty of water
- Sleeping with high pillows to avoid postnasal drip
- Consult a doctor and use sprays to prevent dryness in the nose.
How to get rid of persistent cough?
Treatment for persistent cough, which can be seen very frequently in children, is determined according to the cause of the cough. Cough that lasts more than three weeks in both adults and children may occur due to reasons other than allergies, asthma or bronchitis, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, pneumonia, croup, whooping cough:
- Congenital lung disorders
- low immune system
- nasal congestion
- Exposure to cigarette smoke or polluted air
- dry air
- High temperature
In case of persistent cough, a pulmonologist should be consulted as soon as possible. The treatment process deemed appropriate by the doctor should be followed exactly. You should see a doctor immediately, especially if the following conditions occur along with cough:
- Weight loss for no reason
- chest pain
- Cough becoming more severe day by day
- Pain or swelling in the lower part of the neck
- Weakening of the immune system
- Having sleep problems
- Fire
- night sweats