Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

A cough lasting more than three weeks is considered chronic. Common causes include:

Common Causes

• Post-viral cough: Most common cause; persists weeks to months after a cold or flu.
• Asthma: Chronic airway inflammation causing cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness.
• Chronic bronchitis: Long-term airway inflammation with mucus production; often smoking-related.
• Emphysema: Alveolar damage causing cough, shortness of breath, fatigue.
• Tuberculosis: Bacterial infection with cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss.
• Other causes: Allergies, GERD, medications (ACE inhibitors), lung cancer.

Management Tips

• Avoid triggers: Tobacco smoke, pollution, dust, pollen, certain foods.
• Stay hydrated: Thins mucus for easier expectoration.
• Use a humidifier: Adds moisture to ease breathing.
• Rest: Supports healing.
• See a doctor: For persistent or severe cough to determine cause and receive targeted treatment.