Persistant Cough Causes and Symptoms

18 Mar

Posted by Dr John Anne as Cough

Persistant cough is frequent coughing spells that occur due to existence of certain articles in the respiratory passage. Particles of dust dirt even food can cause disturbances in the normal breathing system and lead to persistant coughing.

When a person has a Persistant dry cough, there is a short intake of breath and the larynx (the voice box) closes momentarily. The abdominal and chest muscles used for breathing contract, which in turn increases the pressure needed to drive air out the lungs when the larynx re-opens.

The resulting blast of air comes out at high speed, scrubbing and clearing the airway of dust, dirt or excessive secretions. This is a common symptom when the airways are ‘tight’, as in asthma.

Older children and adults usually have some idea whether their persistant cough is caused by a foreign body, dust or smoke particles, or an infection in the breathing tubes. Clinical inspection will reveal features that may suggest a specific cause.

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Persistant cough as a symptom. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your cough symptoms.

•    Whooping cough
•    Chronic cough
•    Smoker’s cough
•    Asthma
•    Chronic bronchitis
•    Emphysema

The most common cause of persistant cough is asthma. Talk to your doctor about doing some asthma tests. Sometimes a trial cough treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid is helpful with persistant cough, if infection is ruled out (X-ray, lab). Another common cause of persistant cough is chronic sinusitis with so-called postnasal drip. If sinusitis is suspected, sinus X-ray should be done.

The second most common causes of cough or for a persistant cough is a recent viral infection. Any cause for acute bronchitis can lead to a cough lasting up to two months. If it has lasted longer than that, or if it is getting worse, or if you have a fever, colored sputum, blood-tinged sputum, shortness of breath, or other concern, see your doctor sooner. The possibilities are quite numerous. It is unlikely to be related to your liver.

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