Chronic cough

A chronic cough can result in vomiting, lightheadedness, depression, even rib fractures. The most common causes of chronic cough are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux (the backflow of stomach acid that can irritate your throat). A chronic cough can occur with other signs and symptoms, which may include: A runny or stuffy nose and sore throat, Wheezing and shortness of breath, Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth. A cough that persists for weeks is usually the result of an underlying problem. Asthma - An asthma-related cough may come and go with the seasons, appear after an upper respiratory tract infection, or become worse when you're exposed to cold air or certain chemicals, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - In this common condition, stomach acid flows back into the tube that connects your stomach and throat (esophagus). The constant irritation can lead to chronic coughing. Other causes - Infections - influenza, pneumonia or other infection of the upper respiratory tract. Blood pressure drugs - Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, are known to cause chronic cough in some people, Chronic bronchitis - This long-standing inflammation of your major airways (bronchial tubes) can cause congestion, breathlessness, wheezing and a cough that brings up discolored sputum.

Coughing attacks can cause a variety of other problems, including: Headache, Dizziness, Excessive sweating, Urinary incontinence and Fractured ribs

A thorough medical history and physical exam can provide important clues about a chronic cough. X-rays - it may be used to check for lung cancer and pneumonia and other lung diseases. An X-ray of your sinuses may reveal evidence of a sinus infection. Computerized tomography (CT) scans - CT scans also may be used to check your sinus cavities for pockets of infection. Lung function tests - These simple, noninvasive tests measure how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can exhale. This test is required to diagnose asthma. Sometimes you may also have an asthma challenge test, which checks how well you can breathe before and after inhaling a drug called methacholine (Provocholine).

In many cases, there are measures you can take at home to help ease your chronic cough. Examples include: Avoid allergens - If your chronic cough can be traced back to nasal allergies, try to avoid the substances that cause your symptoms. Quit smoking - The most common cause of chronic bronchitis, smoking irritates your lungs and can worsen coughs caused by other factors. Reduce acid reflux - A cough caused by acid reflux can often be treated with lifestyle changes alone. This includes eating smaller, more frequent meals; waiting three to four hours after a meal before lying down; and elevating the head of the bed at night.

Source: Mayo Clinic