Chronic cough

Chronic cough is the result of irritation of the throat or larynx (larynx). Even when the cause that causes the irritation is eliminated, the cough can still remain. This syndrome is called “irritable larynx“.

In many cases, coughing can be stopped by applying special strategies, designed to stop the throat from overreacting.

A cough that lasts for weeks is usually the result of a health problem and, unfortunately, the cause is often multifactorial. Chronic cough can cause a significant decrease in quality of life.

The causes of chronic cough are:

• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• bronchitis
• pulmonary emphysema,
• The flow of secretions from the nose and sinuses into the throat, the so-called postnasal drip or upper respiratory tract cough syndrome (UPS). upper airway cough syndrome (UACS),
• gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux (GERD and LPR),
• infections (viruses, bacteria, fungi, tuberculosis…),
• hypertension drugs – from the group of so-called ACE inhibitors, a very common choice for the treatment of hypertension, cause chronic cough in some people,
• malignant diseases of the throat, pharynx, bronchi and lungs,
• aspiration (inhalation) of food or a foreign body,
• neurogenic cough,
• cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis…

Other symptoms may occur in addition to coughing:

• hoarseness (more common in smokers and throat diseases),
• the need to clear the throat (with laryngopharyngeal reflux and as a psychosomatic phenomenon),
• the appearance of blood in the sputum,
• shortness of breath, shortness of breath,
• nasal congestion, squeezing secretions from the nose and into the pharynx.

It is necessary to consult a doctor if the cough lasts longer than a few weeks, disrupts sleep, interferes with the normal performance of work or school obligations, or if there is abundant expectoration, especially in the presence of blood in the sputum, and if shortness of breath occurs.

The approach to treating a patient with a cough can vary depending on the cause, for example, it can be simple in the case of a viral sore throat or pneumonia, or complex including a series of specialist examinations, such as consultations with a family doctor, pulmonologist, otorhinolaryngologist, oncologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist and other experts.

Complications of chronic cough can include:

• Rib fracture – It is especially pronounced with great forces on the ribs, especially in the presence of malignant diseases.
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia – A prolonged cough can result in sleep problems and insomnia.
• Headaches- Constant coughing can cause headaches.
• Loss of consciousness with cough (syncope) – An intense cough can lead to temporary loss of consciousness.
• Nausea and vomiting – Coughing can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty urinating and inability to control urination – A prolonged cough can cause problems with urination, including an inability to hold back and control urination.
• Vertigo- Coughing can cause dizziness.
• Excessive sweating – People with chronic coughs often experience excessive sweating as an additional symptom.

The simplest approach to an accurate diagnosis involves the exclusion and replacement of the drug for hypertension (ACE inhibitors), if the patient consumes them, and performing an X-ray of the chest organs.

In the process of treatment, emphasis is placed on controlling the underlying cause of cough. Although patients often expect or seek help through antitussives or mucolytics, these options provide limited support. Coughing plays an important role in the elimination of secretions from the respiratory tract and contributes to the calming of respiratory infections. Therefore, in the case of inflammatory conditions, the use of antitussives requires caution. Non-specific cough therapy should only be reserved for patients with upper respiratory tract infections or for those who are already receiving causal therapy, but whose cough has not yet been suppressed satisfactorily.

Local preparations such as acacia, licorice, glycerin, honey, drops or syrup of wild cherry for cough (balms) have a local and psychogenic effect.

Antibodies, drugs that stimulate coughing, are usually recommended for cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis because a productive cough contributes to the removal of unnecessary contents from the airways and maintains lung function.

At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we are aware of how important your voice is for everyday interaction with others. That is why we apply modern technology and methods that bring your vocal cords back into shape.

Therefore, do not wait for the hoarseness to disappear naturally, but make an appointment today by calling +3851 2444 646, or by filling out the online form.