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>\n\n\n\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>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Chronic Cough?<\/h2>\n\n\n\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>\n\n\n\n
Chronic coughing can be triggered by a variety of factors. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Postnasal drip.<\/li>
Asthma.<\/li>
Allergies.<\/li>
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).<\/li>
Upper respiratory tract infections. <\/li>
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (includes bronchitis and emphysema).<\/li>
Pertussis (whooping cough).<\/li>
Air pollution.<\/li>
ACE inhibitors (found in some medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Smokers are most at risk for developing a chronic cough, as are those exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n