Persistent cough describes a prolonged and recurrent cough condition. Many people cough from time to time, but in some cases, the cough can last for a long time and negatively affect a person’s quality of life. A cough that does not go away can be caused by a variety of reasons and can be a symptom of underlying health problems. These may include chronic respiratory infections, asthma, allergic reactions, lung diseases, smoking, reflux or medication side effects. A cough that does not go away can disrupt a person’s sleep patterns, affect their daily activities, and create a general feeling of discomfort. It is important to identify the underlying cause of coughing to understand this condition and provide appropriate treatment.
What are the causes of persistent cough?
Persistent cough can be associated with many different causes. These reasons:
- Chronic respiratory tract infections: Cough is a typical symptom of respiratory tract infections. However, in some cases, the cough may become chronic with the long-term persistence of the infection. For example, lower respiratory tract infections such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia can cause a persistent cough.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes narrowing and inflammation of the airways. In asthma, which is a common cause of persistent cough, cough may increase especially at night and early in the morning. Symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness may also occur during an asthma attack.
- Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions may cause respiratory tract irritation, leading to coughing. Cough may increase when a person is exposed to environmental allergens, especially in conditions such as allergic asthma or hay fever. These allergens can include pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander.
- Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. This can cause throat irritation and coughing. Cough may increase, especially at night or in the supine position. Reflux-related cough is often accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn, a sour taste, or a burning sensation in the throat.
- Medication side effects: Some medications can have side effects that can cause coughing. In particular, blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors can have a side effect that can lead to coughing. Such medications may be changed depending on the cough, or a different treatment option may be tried.
The above-mentioned causes are just a few of the potential causes of persistent cough. In any case, a healthcare professional’s evaluation is important. A prolonged cough can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, so it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is a persistent cough a sign of?
A cough that does not go away may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Here are some of the potential causes of a cough that doesn’t go away:
- Chronic respiratory infections: A cough that does not go away can be a symptom of recurrent or persistent respiratory infections. In particular, lower respiratory tract infections such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia can cause a persistent cough.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease and can cause coughing. Cough is common during an asthma attack and can sometimes be the only symptom on its own. Cough may increase, especially with trigger factors such as physical activity, exposure to cold weather or allergens.
- Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. In this case, the cough is often accompanied by heartburn, a sour taste, or a burning sensation in the throat. Reflux may be one of the causes of persistent cough.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the nasal and sinus cavities. Infection or blockage of the sinuses can cause coughing. Coughing, especially at night or in the morning, may be one of the symptoms of sinusitis.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause coughing. Exposure to allergens such as pollens, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander can trigger coughing. Allergic reactions can be one of the reasons behind the cough that does not go away.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a disease characterized by narrowing of the airways and respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. COPD can cause a prolonged cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath.
These are just a few of the potential underlying causes of persistent cough. If you have a cough that does not go away, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It is important to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
A persistent cough can cause discomfort and irritation. Here are a few methods that can answer the question of what is good for a cough that does not go away:
- Use a humidifier: A humid environment can relieve a cough by soothing the throat. For this, methods such as humidifiers or steam inhalation can be used. Inhaling steam by leaning over a bowl of hot water can be effective in steam inhalation.
- Fluid consumption: Consuming plenty of fluids hydrates the body and helps keep the throat moist. Hot drinks, especially herbal teas or a mixture of warm water and lemon, can relieve coughing.
- Honey consumption: Honey is known as a natural cough suppressant and sedative. You can consume a spoonful of honey directly or add it to warm water. However, the use of honey should be avoided in babies under 1 year old.
- Herbal teas: Some herbal teas may be helpful for relieving cough. In particular, teas of herbs such as sage, chamomile, linden, ginger or fennel are known for their cough-soothing effects. However, it is important to consult your doctor before using any herbal tea.
- Salt water gargle: Gargling with a pinch of salt added to warm water can reduce irritation in the throat. Salt water thins mucus, soothes the throat and can relieve coughing.
- Rest and avoid stress: Adequate rest is important for the body to focus on the healing process. In addition, avoiding stress can help heal a cough, as stress is known to weaken the immune system.
These recommendations are home remedies to relieve a cough that usually doesn’t go away. However, if the cough persists for a long time, becomes severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Keep in mind that coughs that last for a long time or are due to an underlying health problem may require proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is a cough herbal solution that does not go away?
Herbal solutions for persistent cough are alternative treatment options used to provide relief with natural methods. Here are some herbal remedies that can help with a cough that doesn’t go away:
- Sage: Sage is known for its cough-soothing effects. Add 1-2 teaspoons of sage to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Then you can strain it and consume it warm. Sage tea has cough-relieving and throat-soothing properties.
- Fig leaf tea: Fig leaf is an herb known to have cough soothing and expectorant effects. Add a few fresh or dried fig leaves to the boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. You can strain it and consume it lukewarm. Fig leaf tea can ease your cough and soothe your throat.
- Ginger: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and cough suppressant properties. Add fresh ginger slices to boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Then you can strain it and consume it warm. Ginger tea can reduce irritation in the throat and soothe a cough.
- Fennel tea: Fennel is an herb known for its expectorant properties. Add 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Then you can strain it and consume it warm. Fennel tea can relieve cough and soothe the throat.
- Propolis: Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. By using propolis lozenges or drops, you can reduce irritation in your throat and relieve coughing.
For the annoying cough that does not go away, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Saracoglu cure
A tickling cough that does not go away is a condition that creates a constant feeling of discomfort in the person and results in a coughing reflex. It is characterized by a tickling sensation usually felt at the back of the throat or in the chest area. A tickling cough can often be triggered by conditions such as allergic reactions, sinus problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or respiratory infections.
This type of cough can often be dry and irritating, last a long time, and affect sleep quality. It may be helpful to take precautions such as being in a humidifying environment, drinking plenty of water, consuming natural expectorant herbal teas, staying away from irritants and using appropriate cough suppressants to alleviate a cough. For the annoying cough that does not go away, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Saracoglu cure can also be tried. The cure Saraçoğlu recommends for cough is as follows:
- Add 1 teaspoon of oat straw to 1 cup of boiling water. Close the lid and infuse for 5 minutes and strain while hot. Consume it half an hour before breakfast.
What causes a cough with persistent phlegm?
Persistent sputum cough is a type of cough that usually lasts for a long time, where the sputum accumulated in the lungs cannot be expelled from the throat. This type of cough usually manifests itself as a wet cough accompanied by sputum. Sputum contains mucus that irritates the respiratory tract, white blood cells that fight infections, and other substances. In case of persistent sputum cough, it may be beneficial to take precautions such as drinking plenty of water, being in humid environments, consuming natural expectorant herbal teas and using appropriate cough suppressants.
What causes persistent cough in children and infants?
Persistent cough in children and infants is a cause for concern for parents. Cough can be a reaction of the children’s respiratory system and can have many different causes. The most common causes include the common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, allergic reactions and bronchitis.
Cough in infants is a condition to be considered especially since they have smaller airways. In case of persistent cough, you can create a humid environment to allow your child to breathe comfortably, encourage abundant fluid consumption and avoid natural cough suppressant herbal teas. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if your child has a prolonged or severe cough, accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or other serious symptoms. The specialist will assess your child’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.