A chronic cough lasts more than 8 weeks. Common causes are upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and smoking.
“UACS” is a term used to describe conditions that inflame the upper airways and cause a cough. Examples include sinus infections and allergies. These conditions can cause postnasal drip, which can contribute to a cough. If you have a sinus infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (only needed in certain cases) and possibly a saline or prescription nasal spray. If allergies are causing your cough, your doctor may advise you to avoid the substances that you’re allergic to if possible. If you have asthma, try to avoid irritants and allergens that make your asthma worse. Take your asthma medicines as prescribed.
GERD occurs if acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus or the throat. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to reduce stomach acid. You also may be able to relieve GERD symptoms by waiting three to four hours after a meal before lying down, by sleeping with your head raised and avoiding certain foods.
Smoking also can cause a chronic cough. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit smoking.
—Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, October 2015
Share with Friend
