Chronic cough, lasting over six months, can defy explanation and dominate treatments. From pulmonary issues to esophageal irritation, allergies, and medication side effects, this article explores its multifaceted nature and offers natural remedies for relief.
Imagine living with a persistent cough that defies explanation, lasting not just for a few weeks, but for months or even years.
For some, it’s a constant companion, a frustrating enigma that refuses to be silenced.
This is the reality for individuals with chronic cough, a condition that can be as mysterious as it is debilitating.
A cough is a reflex action triggered by an irritant in the upper respiratory tract, leading to the sudden expulsion of air from the lungs.
It can be dry or productive, causing bronchial secretions.
While most coughs resolve within a few weeks, those that persist beyond three weeks are classified as chronic.
These persistent coughs can be challenging to treat because they can stem from a variety of underlying causes.
In this article, we delve into the chronic cough, exploring its possible causes and treatment options.
From pulmonary conditions to esophageal issues, allergies, and medication side effects, we explore the multifaceted nature of this condition.
We also discuss natural remedies and supplements that may provide relief for those grappling with this persistent and often perplexing symptom.
Contents
What is chronic cough?
A cough, a common reflex triggered by irritants in the upper respiratory tract, can lead to the sudden expulsion of air from the lungs.
It can manifest as a dry or productive cough, the latter often accompanied by bronchial sputum.
When this reflex persists for more than three weeks, it becomes a chronic cough, which can be challenging to treat due to its multifaceted nature.
A comprehensive assessment is necessary, as medication alone may not suffice to alleviate the symptoms.
What are the possible causes of a chronic cough?
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Chronic pulmonary cough: Lung impairment’s role
When linked to lung impairment, a chronic cough can be attributed to various factors, including respiratory diseases, infections like whooping cough or pneumonia, tumors, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and lung lesions.
Diagnosing the root cause of a chronic pulmonary cough typically involves a chest x-ray, followed by further tests such as bronchoscopy, chest scanning, methacholine breath testing, or partially expired nitric oxide measurement.
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Esophageal irritation: The silent culprit behind chronic coughing
The esophagus, connecting the mouth and throat to the stomach, can be a source of chronic coughing due to gastric reflux or other esophageal damage.
Notably, a chronic cough may occur without other symptoms of digestive disorders like heartburn, throat irritation, nausea, or swallowing difficulties.
Diagnostic tests for esophageal issues include endoscopy, modified barium swallow, hour-by-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance testing, esophageal manometry, and saliva testing.
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Nasal conditions and the stubborn cough
Allergies, chronic sinusitis, vasomotor rhinitis, and non-allergic rhinitis can lead to a persistent chronic cough by causing nasal secretions to irritate the throat.
Diagnosis of these sino-nasal conditions typically involves transnasal endoscopy, allergy tests, and sinus scanning.
Treatment may include antihistamine nasal sprays for allergies and ipratropium nasal sprays for vasomotor rhinitis.
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Medication and the persistent cough
Certain medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers used for heart failure, are known to cause chronic cough as a side effect.
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Allergies and the coughing dilemma
Some individuals with chronic coughs may find that they are sensitive to certain foods, including wheat, dairy products, and eggs.
It’s important to differentiate between food allergies and food sensitivities.
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Nerve damage and the unwanted reflex
Nerve damage affecting the nerve in the throat involved in the cough reflex can lead to an overactive cough reflex, resulting in a constant cough.
Diagnosis of this cause typically involves a thorough medical evaluation.
How to cure an incessant cough
A persistent chronic cough can be a result of multiple underlying issues, often requiring a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.
In such cases, various specialists are consulted to address each contributing factor.
These specialists include an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, a gastroenterologist, an allergist, a pulmonologist, and a neurologist.
Natural remedies for chronic cough: Soothing solutions
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Steam inhalation for cough
Eucalyptus, a native Australian tree, produces an essential oil rich in cineole, an expectorant that aids in clearing respiratory secretions.
This natural remedy is beneficial for sinusitis, colds, fever, and other respiratory ailments.
Cineole also boasts antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, enhancing immune system function.
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Horehound: A minty miracle
Horehound, a member of the mint family, is a common ingredient in cough syrups due to its expectorant properties.
This plant is effective in treating allergy, sinusitis, and pulmonary congestion.
Some create their homemade cough suppressant by finely chopping horehound leaves and combining them with honey and alcohol.
White horehound capsules are also available for convenience (ad).
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Osha root: Nature’s respiratory healer
Osha root, known for its beneficial effects on the respiratory tract, increases blood flow to the lungs, improving oxygenation of the body’s organs. It also acts as a natural antihistamine.
Widely used to treat coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and the common cold, osha root can be consumed as a tea or in liquid form (ad).
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Ginseng: The immune-boosting wonder
Ginseng, a staple in Asian medicine for centuries, is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which combat inflammation and enhance immune system function.
It benefits not only the lungs but also other organs.
Ginseng is highly recommended for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it significantly improves respiratory function when combined with standard treatments (ad).
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Mullein: The respiratory guardian
Mullein, also known as white broth, is a plant with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it effective against respiratory infections.
It is particularly useful for treating colds and respiratory diseases.
Mullein extract is available for easy consumption (ad).
Stopping the cough: Top supplements for relief
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Calcium Magnesium: A Dynamic duo for cough relief
Chronic coughs are often linked to calcium and magnesium deficiencies, which can cause tension in the larynx.
While calcium is commonly associated with cramp relief, it also aids in calming throat spasms.
Taking a combination of calcium and magnesium before bedtime can gradually reduce throat contractions, alleviating coughing (ad).
– Dosage: 500mg of calcium and 250mg of magnesium per day.
– Precautions: Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
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Vitamin B12: The neuropathy buster
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to sensory neuropathy, resulting in pharyngolaryngeal dysfunction and chronic cough.
It’s worth noting that vitamin B12 methylcobalamin has no known toxicity, making it a safe option for supplementation.
– Dosage: 1000 micrograms per day.
– Precautions: Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
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N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): The secret weapon against coughs
NAC, an amino acid and potent antioxidant, boosts the natural production of glutathione (ad).
It effectively thins secretions, easing breathing and soothing coughs.
– Dosage: 600 to 1500mg per day, divided into three doses.
– Precautions: Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Finding relief from persistent coughs
Finding the root cause of a persistent cough can be challenging, often remaining unexplained for an extended period.
However, regardless of its origin—be it pulmonary, esophageal, or allergic—there are natural solutions to soothe the discomfort.
By exploring various remedies and consulting healthcare professionals, individuals can find relief and improve their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What disease can cause a chronic cough?
The major causes of chronic cough are upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), gastroesophageal reflux disease, and asthma.
It can also occur during bronchitis or bronchopneumopathy.
It is also often present in heart diseases and their treatment.
Which specialist to consult for a chronic cough?
As a general rule, a consultation with a pulmonologist is recommended in order to perform a respiratory assessment to establish a diagnosis.
It is also often useful to take the advice of an ENT for a complete examination.
Is chronic cough a symptom of Covid19?
Although dry cough is associated with Covid19 infection and can last quite a long time, the chronic cough does not set in after recovery.
Note that this dry cough from Covid very quickly turns into a wet cough with sputum and abundant mucus.
What is an irritating cough?
It is a dry cough resulting from irritation of the respiratory tract.
It results in a frequent cough linked to irritation.
The irritating cough can be very tiring and cause chest pain.
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Every since a ENT operated on my nose in 2014 I have the sniffels and a cough. Sometime my cough will last 6 to 8 hours. I have been to 6 ent’s and not a one has helped me. I receive allergy shots for about a year and a half, no help. any suggestions????? I need help, thank you Jerry