{"id":207,"date":"2019-03-26T19:07:28","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T19:07:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nalent.fm1.dev\/throat\/chronic-cough\/"},"modified":"2019-07-26T16:22:18","modified_gmt":"2019-07-26T16:22:18","slug":"chronic-cough","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nalent.com\/throat\/chronic-cough\/","title":{"rendered":"Chronic Cough"},"content":{"rendered":"
A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts eight weeks or longer. More than simply an annoyance, a lingering cough can disrupt your sleep and affect your work. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, congestion and heartburn. <\/p> \r\n\r\n
If you have a persistent cough that doesn\u2019t disappear after a reasonable amount of time, make an appointment with your physician for an evaluation. <\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n
A cough is your body\u2019s way of expelling a substance that is irritating the air passages. When cells lining the air passages become irritated, they trigger air in the lungs to be forced out under high pressure. <\/p> \r\n\r\n
Chronic coughing can be triggered by a variety of factors. These include: <\/p> \r\n\r\n
Smokers are most at risk for developing a chronic cough, as are those exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke<\/a>. <\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n You should contact your doctor if your cough is accompanied by fever, excessive phlegm production or blood; fails to improve after your other symptoms have disappeared; interferes with your daily activities or sleep; or you have difficulty breathing. <\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\n Your doctor will discuss your medical history and give you a physical exam before administering diagnostic tests designed to determine the cause of your chronic cough. An imaging test (X-rays or CT scan), lung function test, lab tests and endoscopic tests<\/a> of the trachea, nostrils and esophagus are all common. <\/p> \r\n\r\n Once the diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. If medications are prescribed, they may include:<\/p> \r\n\r\n Home remedies incorporating lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or adjusting your diet to eliminate foods that trigger acid reflux, can also be effective. <\/p> \r\n\r\nWhat Are the Symptoms of Chronic Cough? <\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n
How Is Chronic Cough Treated? <\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n