7 Common Triggers of Chronic Cough
A chronic cough—defined as a cough lasting more than 8 weeks—can be more than just a lingering nuisance. It can disrupt sleep, impair concentration, and significantly affect your daily life. Often, patients are surprised to learn that a chronic cough is not always related to a lung infection. It can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, some of which may have nothing to do with the lungs at all.
In this blog, Dr. Hrushikesh Vaidya, a specialist in respiratory and ENT care, explains the 7 most common triggers of chronic cough, their causes, and when to seek medical advice.
1. Postnasal Drip (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome)
One of the most frequent causes of chronic cough is postnasal drip, where excess mucus from the nose and sinuses drips down the back of the throat.
Common causes include:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sinus infections
- Weather or pollution-related nasal irritation
Symptoms:
- A tickling sensation in the throat
- Frequent throat clearing
- Mucus in the throat
Treatment usually includes antihistamines, nasal sprays, and addressing the root allergy or sinus issue.
2. Asthma
Asthma is not always marked by wheezing or breathlessness. In many patients, chronic cough may be the only symptom, especially with cough-variant asthma.
Triggers:
- Cold air
- Exercise
- Strong smells
- Allergens
Symptoms:
- Dry, persistent cough
- Worse at night or early morning
- Improves with bronchodilators
Proper diagnosis through spirometry and lung function tests is essential for treatment.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a hidden but common culprit in chronic cough. Stomach acid reflux irritates the throat, leading to a cough that is often worse after meals or when lying down.
Signs of GERD-related cough:
- Noisy throat or hoarseness
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Heartburn (not always present)
Managing GERD involves diet changes, avoiding late-night meals, and sometimes medications like proton pump inhibitors.
4. Chronic Bronchitis
Seen especially in smokers or those exposed to polluted environments, chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Characteristics:
- Productive cough lasting at least 3 months a year for 2 years
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent chest infections
Management includes smoking cessation, inhalers, bronchodilators, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
5. ACE Inhibitor Medications
If you’re on medication for high blood pressure — particularly ACE inhibitors like enalapril, lisinopril, or ramipril — your chronic dry cough might be a side effect.
Clue:
- Dry cough begins shortly after starting the medication
- No improvement despite cough syrups or antibiotics
Switching to another class of blood pressure medicine under medical guidance usually resolves the issue.
6. Environmental Irritants
Prolonged exposure to dust, smoke, pollution, or chemical fumes can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to chronic coughing, even in people without asthma or allergies.
Triggers include:
- Occupational exposure (e.g., factory workers, hairdressers, painters)
- Indoor air pollutants (mould, cleaning chemicals)
- Urban pollution and passive smoking
Wearing protective masks, improving indoor air quality, and reducing exposure are key preventive steps.
7. Unresolved or Misdiagnosed Infections
Some bacterial or viral infections can lead to a lingering cough even after the main illness resolves. Conditions like whooping cough (pertussis), tuberculosis, or atypical pneumonia may present as a chronic cough.
Warning signs:
- Cough lasting more than 8 weeks
- Weight loss or fatigue
- Coughing up blood or persistent fever
Proper diagnosis through chest X-rays, sputum tests, or bronchoscopy may be needed if infections are suspected.
When to See a Specialist?
You should consult an ENT or respiratory specialist if:
- Your cough lasts more than 3 weeks without improvement
- It is associated with breathlessness, weight loss, or fatigue
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping
- It is affecting your sleep or daily routine
Conclusion
A chronic cough is not just an annoyance — it’s often your body’s way of signalling an underlying issue. Identifying the root cause is essential to finding long-lasting relief. With expert evaluation, most cases of chronic cough can be effectively treated or managed.
If you’re struggling with a persistent cough or unexplained respiratory symptoms, Dr. Hrushikesh Vaidya offers specialised evaluation and treatment tailored to your condition. With expertise in ENT, respiratory, and allergy-related disorders, you’ll receive thorough care backed by clinical experience and advanced diagnostics.
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