Causes of Coughing

Common Causes of Coughing-

  1. Irritated Airways After a Cold or Flu

Most cold symptoms may go away after a few days. Your cough, though, can hang around for weeks because viruses can cause your airways to become swollen and oversensitive. This can last long after the virus is gone.

  1. Underlying Health Problems

Allergies and asthma are common causes of a cough. A cold can even cause an asthma attack. Some people learn they have asthma during a cold.

Acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea can also cause a chronic cough. Fortunately, these conditions are treatable. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you have symptoms of acid reflux, including: ongoing cough, burping, heartburn, regurgitation. Also see your doctor if you have any symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as: insomnia, loud snoring, nighttime choking or gasping, repeated awakenings, sleepiness during the day

  1. Stress

Stress, especially when it’s chronic, can make colds last longer. To beat back a lingering cough, slow down and ease stress while you’re sick.

  1. Not Drinking Enough Fluids

Water, juice, and soup can help loosen mucus in your airways so you can cough it up and out. Alcohol and drinks with caffeine in them are not helpful choices because they can dehydrate you — the opposite of what you need when you’re sick.

  1. Overusing OTC Nasal Decongestant Spray

Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant sprays may help with a stuffy nose. Don’t use them for more than 3 days, though. If you do, when you finally stop taking them, your symptoms may be worse — a rebound effect. Those excess sprays make your nasal membranes swell, which triggers more congestion, postnasal drip, and coughing.

  1. Air That’s Too Dry or Too Moist

Dry air, such as in the winter, can irritate your cough. Moist air can be a trigger for asthma and encourage the growth of dust mites and mold, allergens that may start you hacking.

  1. Bacterial Infection

When your airways are raw and irritated after a cold, it’s easier for bacteria to invade. Bacteria can cause sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. If you have a fever or pain along with your lingering cough, a bacterial infection could be the reason.

  1. Your Blood Pressure Medicine

Do you take an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure? If so, that may be why your cough won’t quit. About 1 out of 5 people who take ACE inhibitors develop a chronic, dry cough as a side effect. If you have this side effect, don’t just stop taking it but do talk to your doctor. Another drug may work better for you. There are many available ACE inhibitors, including:

Aceon (perindopril) Mavik, Tarka(trandolapril)

Accupril (quinapril) Monopril (fosinopril)

Altace (ramipril) Prinivil, Zestril (lisinopril)

Capoten (captopril) Uniretic, Univasc(moexipril)

Lotensin, Lotrel (benazepril) Vasotec (enalapril)

If the generic name of your medicine or any ingredient in your combination medicine ends with “pril,” there’s a good chance it’s an ACE inhibitor.

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