Tag Archive for: constant cough

Types of Cough: Chronic Cough Vs. Acute Cough

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Having a cough is typically a good signifier of some underlying health concern, which can be as simple as the common cold, or as dangerous as a lung disease or bronchiectasis. Whatever the reason, a cough is not something you should ignore.

Typically, there are two types of cough: a chronic cough and an acute cough. These two types of cough can indicate very different things, so we wanted to take the time to dive a little into the difference between the two, and explain the easy way in which you can tell the two apart.

Types Of Cough: Chronic Cough Vs. Acute Cough

The way to tell between a chronic cough and an acute cough is simple: a chronic cough describes coughs that last for over 4 weeks in adults (or over 8 weeks in children) and an acute cough is any cough lasting less than a month.

Acute coughs tend to be a typical symptom for common colds or even the flu, but with just a bit of treatment, they go away after a week or two. An acute cough will not last longer than 4 weeks so if you experience a cough that lasts for longer than a month, then you should seek medical attention.

Why Does A Chronic Cough Matter To My Health?

A chronic cough is usually an indication of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention. While a chronic cough is not a condition in itself, it is a symptom of conditions like asthma, GERD, respiratory infections, bronchiectasis (damaged airways), cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer.

All of these conditions require a medical diagnosis, not only to determine the underlying condition, but also to determine its severity and the right course of treatment.

Ignoring a chronic cough could result in any of the following:

  • Irritated airways
  • Induce an asthma attack
  • Reduced oxygen reaching your vital organs
  • A worsened condition that can lead to complications needing emergency treatment

Types Of Treatments For A Chronic Cough

Once a pulmonary specialist has examined your cough, they will have to test to determine the underlying cause for a cough. The treatment chosen will be targeted toward the underlying cause. Some treatment methods may include:

  • Antihistamines, glucocorticoids, and decongestants for allergies and post-nasal drip
  • Inhaled asthma drugs: Glucocorticoids and bronchodilators will reduce inflammation and open up your airways.
  • Antibiotics: In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
  • Acid blockers: Acid reflux sufferers may require acid blockers or noninvasive surgery when lifestyle changes don’t take resolve the problem.

More Information

Telling these two types of cough apart is pretty simple, but treating a chronic cough involves care and medical attention so don’t let it slip by, even if it doesn’t seem like much! Remember that a chronic cough is almost always a symptom of an underlying cause. If you or someone you know are suffering from a cough that has gone on for longer than a month, then it’s time to see a pulmonary specialist. To see one of our pulmonary specialists, simply contact us or book an appointment today!

A Chronic Cough: Whether To See A Specialist

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Sure, we all cough from time to time, and there is usually nothing highly disturbing about it. Especially if cough is a residual condition after the flu or some type of respiratory disease you’re recovering from. However, if a cough appears on its own and lasts eight weeks or longer in adults, or over four weeks in children, it’s time to see a specialist. A chronic cough might not seem like such an inconvenience, but often it’s an indicator of a more serious underlying condition.

Why Is My Chronic Cough An Issue?

1. First of all, a persistent cough might be an indicator of another more serious pulmonary problem like bronchitis or even lung cancer, for example. If ignored, it will often bring up more damaging symptoms.

2. In addition to being a nuisance, a chronic cough can also provoke your nervous system. Having a constant cough causes you to lose large volumes of carbon dioxide that is a natural tranquilizer for your nervous system. You don’t want that to happen because, with low volumes of carbon dioxide, your airways will get irritated and sensitive. In addition, this may result in fatigue, anxiety, sleep, difficulty concentrating, etc.

3. Left undiagnosed, a chronic cough can easily transform into asthma. When your carbon dioxide levels are low, as they often are in patients with a chronic cough, airways spasms are more likely to happen and cause an asthma attack.

4. Unsurprisingly, one common symptom in patients with a chronic cough is headaches. When coughing, you increase the pressure in your head, which is called “Valsalva’s maneuver”. Too much pressure can damage your middle ear and cause a headache.

Why Is My Chronic Cough Not Improving?

  • Your Airways Are Irritated: What a vicious circle –  your constant cough causes the airways to get irritated, swollen, and highly sensitive…which causes more coughing. Thankfully the right treatment can help put an end to the cycle!
  • Other Health Problems Are Causing Your Cough: You’ve read it already, we know…but it’s very important, and we want you to know this! If a cough is not improving, it may mean there is a serious condition that needs to be treated first. There is a whole list of problems that a persistent cough might indicate, so make sure you visit a pulmonary specialist to determine the real reason behind your chronic cough.
  • You’re Not Getting Enough Fluids: Failing to consume enough liquid when you’ve got a chronic cough will drastically decrease your ability to loosen the mucus in your airways, which is essential for a cough to dissolve. Always make sure to drink enough healthy liquids like water or tea in order to loosen the mucus and recover faster. Don’t confuse healthy liquids with soft drinks, alcohol, or drinks with caffeine. These types of drinks will immediately dehydrate your body, making your cough even worse.  
  • You’re Exposed To Air That’s Either Too Dry Or Too Moist: If the air is too dry for you, it will irritate your airways and cause more coughing. On the other hand, if the air is too moist it might cause asthma and contribute to mold growth, which may cause a chronic cough as well. It’s all about finding the right balance! 

When To See A Doctor?

Even if your chronic cough doesn’t really bother you, you still need to see a doctor if your cough persists for more than eight weeks or longer in adults, and over four weeks in children. If your cough bothers you already, don’t wait until it gets worse, make an appointment with a pulmonary specialist who can determine what’s causing your cough and provide an adequate treatment plan. In addition, if you experience fever, unexpected weight loss, lymph node swelling, blood-tinged phlegm, or wheezing and shortness of breath, please contact us immediately, as you might have a critical condition that can jeopardize your life.