Common Causes for A Nagging Cough

It goes without saying, a chronic cough can be more than just annoying; it can significantly impact one's quality of life. The associated discomfort, physical exhaustion, sleep disturbances, hoarseness, muscle strain, and potential social embarrassment can leave one feeling helpless and frustrated. Coughing can even result in urinary incontinence, dizziness, or a breaking a rib. For adults grappling with a persistent, chronic cough, identifying what's causing it is crucial for getting effective management and relief. 

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we provide the skilled, experienced care required to identify what's causing your cough, restore your comfort, and get you back on the road to respiratory health. 

When it’s okay to cough

Keep in mind that coughing on occasion is not a bad thing. By expelling secretions, microbes, and foreign particles from the respiratory tract, coughing protects the lungs from infection and inflammation and helps the body defend itself against disease. While coughs associated with an acute illness typically resolve in a few days to a few weeks, a chronic cough is considered one that lingers eight weeks or longer in adults and four weeks or longer in children.

A chronic cough in adults can stem from various underlying causes, ranging from benign to potentially serious conditions. 

Some of the most common underlying causes include:

• Smoking

This harmful habit brings toxic chemicals into the airways and lungs. As the body attempts to deal with the constant irritation, many smokers will develop a concerning and chronic cough known as "Smoker's Cough." Smokers should also be aware they risk other severe respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, and lung cancer. 

• Postnasal Drip

Often triggered by allergies or sinusitis, postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat. This irritation prompts a reflexive cough as the body attempts to clear the airways. Managing allergies or treating underlying sinus issues can alleviate this type of cough

• Asthma

Asthma-related cough may not always present with typical wheezing or shortness of breath, especially in adults. Cough-variant asthma manifests primarily as a persistent cough, often worsening at night or with physical activity. Proper diagnosis and asthma management strategies, including inhalers and avoidance of triggers, are essential.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux can irritate the esophagus and trigger a chronic cough, particularly when lying down or after eating. Lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medications to reduce stomach acid production are often effective in managing GERD-related cough.

• Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Excessive mucus production and airway irritation result in a chronic cough, a hallmark symptom. Management involves smoking cessation, bronchodilators, and pulmonary rehabilitation to alleviate symptoms and improve one's quality of life.

• ACE Inhibitors 

Commonly prescribed for hypertension, ACE inhibitors can induce a chronic cough as a side effect. Alternative medications or dosage adjustments may be considered to alleviate this troublesome symptom.

• Other Causes

Although less common than the ones listed above, other causes of a nagging cough may include airborne irritants, pertussis, lung cancer, heart failure, respiratory infections, other lung diseases, and psychological disorders.

Let us help you breathe easier.

In all cases, getting a proper evaluation by an experienced pulmonologist is paramount for accurate diagnosis and treatment that meets your needs. At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we provide advanced and compassionate care to help our patients breathe easier and enjoy optimal health.