1: Irritation of Airways After a Cold or Flu
Persistent Cough
Post viral infection cough is the most common cause of chronic cough. It can go in few days but can persist for weeks or even months, because viruses can make the airways to become swollen and oversensitive.
2: Drinking less Fluids
When you have a cold or the flue, you need to drink a lot of fluids. Water, juice, and soup can help loosen mucus in your airways so you can cough it up and out.
3: Underlying Diseases
Sometimes cause of persistent cough is some underlying disease like
- Asthma
- Acid reflux
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Cold can even cause an asthma attack. Some people learn they have asthma during a cold.These conditions are treatable. Symptoms of Acid reflux are heart burn, burping, persistent cough and regurtation. Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea are insomnia, Snoring, gasping, chocking, day time sleeping during working.
4: Stress
Stress is another cause of chronic cough. To treat persistent cough, slow down and ease stress while you are sick. Pushing yourself too hard might just make you sicker. One way to relax is to rest more: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
5: Overusing Nasal Decongestants
Nasal decongestents sprays may help with a stuffy or running nose. Don’t use them for more than 5 days, though. If you do, when you finally stop taking them, your symptoms may be worse — a rebound effect. Excess sprays make your nasal membranes swell, which triggers more congestion, postnasal drip and coughing.
6: Too Dry or Too humid Air
“Dry air especially common in the winter — can irritate a cough,” Moist air can be a trigger asthma and encourage the growth of dust mites and mold, which are strong allergens
7: Use of Blood Pressure Medicine
Do you take medicine for high blood pressure If so, that may be why your cough won’t quit. About 1 out of 5 people who take ACE inhibitors develop a chronic, dry cough as a side effect. If you have this side effect, talk to your doctor. Another drug may work better for you..
If your cough isn’t getting better after a week, call your doctor. Together, you can find out what’s causing your cough and make sure you get the right treatment.
8: Bacterial Infection
Sometimes, a cold can leave behind an unwelcome parting gift. When your airways are raw and irritated after a cold, it’s easier for bacteria to invade. Bacteria can cause sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. If you have a fever or pain along with your lingering cough, a bacterial infection could be the reason. See your doctor, as you may need to take an antibiotic.
* Dr Chohan’s ENT, Rafay Mall (1st floor), near Chour chowk, Peshawar Road Rawalpindi. 03315680471 , 03145118532
- Timing:
- Professor Brig (r) Dr Arshad Chohan MCPS, FICS, FCPS 11 am – 6 pm daily except Sunday
Professor Brig (r) Dr Amir Sabih Haidri, MCPS, FCPS 6.30 pm – 9 pm daily except Sunday & Monday
- Professor Brig (r) Dr Arshad Chohan MCPS, FICS, FCPS 11 am – 6 pm daily except Sunday
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