Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts for more than eight weeks and can be a sign of various underlying health conditions. It can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Common causes include asthma, postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis, and side effects from certain medications. A chronic cough may be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. To diagnose the cause, a healthcare provider will conduct a detailed medical history, physical exam, and possibly additional tests like chest X-rays or pulmonary function assessments. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or specialized therapies. It’s important to seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and effective management of a chronic cough.

Common Causes of Chronic Cough

Chronic cough can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

Asthma

Postnasal drip

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Chronic bronchitis

Medications (such as ACE inhibitors)

Respiratory infections

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Lung cancer

Environmental irritants

Tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or lung fibrosis

These conditions can contribute to persistent coughing and require proper medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

The other causes which are less common are

While chronic cough is often linked to common conditions, several less frequent causes may also be responsible, including:

  • Allergies or sensitivity to environmental irritants

  • Workplace exposure to harmful substances

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

  • Pertussis (also known as whooping cough)

  • Bronchiectasis (a condition causing permanent widening of the airways)

  • Heart failure

  • Cystic fibrosis

  • Accidental inhalation of foreign objects

  • Vocal cord dysfunction

  • Connective tissue disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus

Though less common, these causes should not be overlooked, especially when routine evaluations do not reveal the source of the chronic cough.

Other Less Common Causes of Chronic Cough

In some cases, chronic cough may be linked to less common factors, such as:

  • Environmental allergies or irritants

  • Occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

  • Pertussis (whooping cough)

  • Bronchiectasis

  • Heart failure

  • Cystic fibrosis

  • Aspiration of a foreign object

  • Vocal cord dysfunction

  • Autoimmune or connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

These conditions, while not as frequently encountered, should be considered when evaluating persistent cough that does not respond to standard treatments.