A persistent cough can be a real pain in the neck. It disrupts your sleep, makes it hard to concentrate, and can even leave you feeling embarrassed. But what’s worse is when it just won’t go away. If you’ve been coughing for more than three weeks, it’s time to see a doctor. But in the meantime, here are five possible causes of your lingering cough:
- Post-viral cough: This is the most common cause of a cough that won’t go away. It’s caused by inflammation in the airways after a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. Post-viral cough can last for up to eight weeks, but it usually resolves on its own.
- Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, can also cause a cough that won’t go away. These infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the airways. This inflammation can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by a variety of things, such as allergens, exercise, and cold air.
- Allergies: Allergies are another common cause of a cough that won’t go away. Allergies can be triggered by a variety of things, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Allergy symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This can cause a cough, as well as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
If you’ve been coughing for more than three weeks, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your cough:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to help loosen mucus.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
- See a doctor if your cough is severe or doesn’t improve after a few weeks.
- Try over-the-counter cough suppressants. There are a variety of over-the-counter cough suppressants available, such as dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine. These medications can help to suppress coughing, but they may also cause side effects such as drowsiness.
- Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
- Drink hot tea with honey. Hot tea with honey can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
- Take a hot shower or bath. The steam from a hot shower or bath can help to loosen mucus and reduce coughing.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to loosen mucus and reduce coughing.
Over-the-counter cough suppressants
Pros:
- Can help to suppress coughing
- Available without a prescription
Cons:
- May cause side effects such as drowsiness
Gargling with salt water
Pros:
- Can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing
- Inexpensive and easy to do
Cons:
- May not be effective for all types of coughs
Drinking hot tea with honey
Pros:
- Can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing
- Contains antioxidants that may help to boost the immune system
Cons:
- May not be effective for all types of coughs
Taking a hot shower or bath
Pros:
- Can help to loosen mucus and reduce coughing
- Can be relaxing
Cons:
- May not be effective for all types of coughs
Using a humidifier
Pros:
- Can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to loosen mucus and reduce coughing
- Can be helpful for people with allergies or asthma
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- May not be effective for all types of coughs
| Type of cough | Possible causes | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Post-viral cough | Viral infection | Rest, fluids |
| Bacterial infection | Pneumonia, bronchitis | Antibiotics |
| Asthma | Inflammation in the airways | Inhalers, steroids |
| Allergies | Allergens | Antihistamines, decongestants |
| GERD | Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus | Antacids, proton pump inhibitors |
| Over-the-counter cough suppressants | Active ingredients | Side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Dextromethorphan | Dextromethorphan | Drowsiness |
| Guaifenesin | Guaifenesin | Nausea, vomiting |
| Phenylephrine | Phenylephrine | Headache, dizziness |
| Home remedies for cough | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Gargling with salt water | 1/2 teaspoon salt | 1 cup warm water |
| Hot tea with honey | 1 cup hot tea | 1 tablespoon honey |
| Hot shower or bath | ||
| Humidifier |
| Tips for preventing cough | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wash your hands frequently | ||
| Avoid touching your face | ||
| Stay home if you’re sick | ||
| Get vaccinated against the flu |
