Others will require a prescription from your doctor. You can get some of these drugs over-the-counter (OTC). They may also recommend medications to neutralize, reduce, or block acid production. Your doctor may recommend changes to your diet and lifestyle. Some of the more common causes include: Acid reflux Treatment will depend on the cause of your cough. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor. Blood tests can look for signs of infection or other conditions.Allergy tests can help diagnose environmental allergies that could be causing a reaction.Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, can help a doctor see your chest and airways.Pulmonary function tests measure how well your lungs are working.Sputum cultures check the mucus you cough up for bacteria and other infections.Endoscopy uses a flexible, lighted instrument to look into the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.Spirometry is a lung function test that measures airflow in and out of your lungs.Acid reflux tests measures the amount of acid in the fluid inside your esophagus.Depending on your symptoms, they may request certain tests, such as: Also, call them if you experience symptoms like unplanned weight loss, fever, coughing up blood, or having trouble sleeping.ĭuring your appointment, your doctor will ask about your cough and other symptoms. See your doctor if your cough lasts for more than a few weeks. sarcoidosis, which consists of clusters of inflamed cells, known as granulomas, that form in the lungs and other parts of the body.interstitial lung disease, a condition that involves scarring of lung tissue.cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that damages the lungs and other organs by causing thick secretions.bronchiolitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the bronchioles, the tiny air passages in the lungs.Rarer causes for a chronic cough include: inhaling a foreign object (in children).bronchospasm, which can occur after lung infections, such as pneumonia.chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).environmental triggers, such as dust or animal dander.angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors, which are medications used to treat high blood pressure.nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis, which involves inflammation in your airways.upper airway cough syndrome, which is sometimes related to postnasal drip.acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).asthma, especially cough-variant asthma, which causes a cough as the main symptom.The most common causes of a chronic cough are: That’s why you should have your doctor check out any cough that lasts for more than a few weeks. It can keep you awake at night and distract you from work and your social life. Only rarely are they a symptom of cancer or other potentially life threatening lung conditions.Ī chronic cough can have a big impact on your life, though. They can result from conditions like postnasal drip or allergies. Coughing can also be in response to inflammation or illness.Įven chronic coughs often have a treatable cause. When you cough, you bring up mucus and foreign material from your airways that can irritate your lungs. A cough that lasts 8 weeks or more is called a chronic cough.Ĭoughing might sometimes be uncomfortable, but it actually serves a useful purpose. Less often, a cough lingers for several weeks, months, or even years. You may catch a virus, cough for a few days or weeks, and then you’ll start to feel better. A home remedy may be sufficient, or you may need to see a doctor for medical treatment. Chronic cough is when you have a cough that lasts for eight weeks or longer.
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