If you have had a cough for more than 3 weeks, it may be chronic. When something is "chronic" it means it lasts for a long time. The following are some questions to help you decide whether you should see your doctor about your cough:
Chronic Cough: Causes and Cures
When should I call my doctor?
- Are you coughing up thick yellow or green phlegm?
- Are you wheezing (making a whistling sound when you breathe in)?
- Are you running a temperature higher than 101°F?
- Are you losing weight without trying?
- Are you having drenching sweats in bed at night (the sheets and your pajamas get soaking wet)?
- Are you coughing up blood?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, call your doctor. He or she will want to find out if you have an illness that is causing the cough. If you answered "no" to all of these questions, one of the causes listed below may be causing your cough.
Smoking
Smoking can cause a cough that doesn't go away. If you smoke, you need to stop. Talk to your doctor about using nicotine patches, gum, inhaler or nasal spray, or another method to stop smoking.
Allergies
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can make you cough. Postnasal drip is mucus that runs down your throat from the back of your nose. If you have postnasal drip from allergies, try to avoid the things you are allergic to, such as the following:
- Dust
- Smoke
- Pollen, mold, and freshly cut grass
- Pets and certain plants
- Cleaning agents and room deodorizers
- Chemical fumes
An over-the-counter antihistamine-decongestant combination may help stop your allergies and your cough. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose one.
Medicines
Some medicines can cause chronic cough in some people. Some examples of medicines that may cause cough are the following:
- ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure
- Beta blockers for high blood pressure, migraines or glaucoma
Call your doctor's office to find out if any of the medicines you use could cause you to cough. If you are taking a medicine that can cause you to cough, your doctor might be able to prescribe another medicine for you. Don't stop taking a prescribed medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Asthma
Coughing can be a sign of asthma. In some people with mild asthma, a cough is the only symptom. Your doctor may ask you to try using some asthma medicine to see if your cough goes away. If it does, you probably have mild asthma. Your doctor will help you decide the best treatment for your symptoms.
Heartburn
Acid from your stomach may back up into your throat. This is called "acid reflux." It can cause heartburn or cough. Acid reflux is more common when you're lying down. If you have this problem, try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches. It might help to avoid eating or drinking for two hours before you lie down. An antacid (such as Tums) or an acid-blocking medicine (such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet or Zantax) may be helpful. Two other drugs, esomeprazole (brand name: Nexium) and omeprazole (brand name: Prilosec) are also available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Reviewed/Updated: 09/05
Created: 09/00
Copyright © 2000-2008 American Academy of Family Physicians
|This article provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this article applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
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|This article provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this article applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
For private, noncommercial use only.
Home | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | About This Site | What's New |