Cough that stays persistent can be frustrating and exhausting when it lingers for weeks or affects your sleep schedule. It is important to understand the causes of a persistent cough and to know how to get rid of persistent cough as it allows you to find relief and get back to your normal routine. In this blog we will dive deeper into understanding the common causes of a persistent cough, chronic cough treatment options and tips on how to stop a persistent cough.
Common Causes of a persistent cough
A cough which usually lasts for eight weeks or longer in adults or for over four weeks in children is known as persistent cough. It can be very disruptive and frustrating which often also interferes with daily activities and sleep. Having a basic understanding the common causes of a persistent cough is important for effective management and treatment. Following are some of the most common causes of persistent cough:
- One of the most common reasons for a persistent cough is postnasal drop as it occurs when excess mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat and causes irritation which triggers a cough. The typical culprits are allergies, sinus infections and colds.
- Asthma is a chronic condition and one of the common causes of a persistent cough as it causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways which leads to chronic cough. This type is often accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Asthma related coughing can be particularly troublesome at night.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease also known as GERD occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus which leads to causing irritation and a chronic cough. GERD can often worsen during night or after eating and it may be accompanied by symptoms like heartburn and a sour taste in mouth
- A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is chronic bronchitis is characterised by a productive cough that lasts for a period of at least three months in two consecutive years and is a common cause of persistent coughing. Smoking is one of the most common cause of chronic bronchitis.
- Respiratory infections such as cold, flu or pneumonia can cause a persistent cough even after other symptoms have resolved. Infections can often lead to excessive coughing at night as the body attempts to clear the mucus from the airways.
- ACE inhibitors and other medications are used for treating high blood pressure but can often cause a persistent dry cough as a side effect. Consult your doctor for an alternative if you suspect that your medication is causing your cough.
- Avoiding irritants like exposure to pollution, smoke or chemicals can help reduce coughing as they can irritate the airways and lead to a continuous cough.
- Smoking is one of the major cause of chronic cough and chronic dry cough as the irritants in a cigarette smoke damage the airways which lead to persistent coughing and other respiratory issues.
How to get rid of a Persistent Cough
Getting rid of a persistent cough depends on understanding and addressing the causes. Following are some general tips and strategies that assist in alleviating and managing a persistent cough:
- Drinking plenty of fluids helps in thinning mucus and keeps the throat moist along with reducing irritation and coughing. Warm liquids such as herbal teas and broths are especially soothing.
- Cofsils lozenges are an effective solution for soothing an itchy throat and reducing cough reflex. Cofsils Cough Syrup can help reduce symptoms of a chronic dry cough by soothing the throat and reducing irritation. Both the lozenges and cough syrup can help in treating persistent cough.
- Environmental factors can cause your cough so you should try to avoid them as much as possible. This includes staying away from smoke, dust and strong fumes and using a air purifier at home can be an effective way to reduce irritants in the air.
- Persistent cough can worsen at night and to reduce the cough you can try to elevate your head with an extra pillow. This can help reduce postnasal drip and prevent stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus ensuring relief from constant coughing at night.
- Washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and maintaining a overall good hygiene can help to prevent infections that can cause persistent cough.
Home Remedies for Persistent Cough
Home remedies often assist in providing relief for persistent coughs, especially when the cough is caused by illnesses like colds or allergies. Some effective home remedies that you can try are :
- Honey which includes natural antibacterial properties play an important role in providing the solution that soothes the throat. Mixing a spoonful of honey in warm water or tea for relief is one of the most efficient and reliable method for getting relief.
- Inhaling steam helps loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can enhance the effect.
- Gargling with saltwater can reduce throat irritation and kill bacteria.
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve cough and sore throat.
Conclusion
There are a lot of reasons that result in persistent cough and a variety of factors from postnasal drip and asthma to GERD and chronic bronchitis are involved. Understanding the reasons for chronic cough is essential for effective treatment. Cofsils Lozenges and Cofsils Cough Syrup are reliable solutions for cough relief which help to soothe the throat and reduce irritation. Along with these treatments staying hydrated, avoiding irritants and using home remedies also play an important role in helping to alleviate symptoms and provide relief. It is important to seek medical advice to rule out any serious underlying conditions if your cough persists,
