Chronic Cough and Emphysema
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- Chronic coughing is a persistent cough that lasts for more than eight weeks in adults or more than four weeks in children. It's a common medical condition that can have various underlying causes and can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Chronic coughing is often a symptom of an underlying issue, and identifying and treating the root cause is crucial for managing the condition.
Common Causes of Chronic Coughing:
1. Postnasal Drip: This occurs when mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, irritating it and leading to coughing. It can be caused by allergies, sinusitis, or other upper respiratory tract infections.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and leading to chronic coughing. This is sometimes referred to as "acid reflux cough."
3. Asthma: Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
4. Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes can result in excessive mucus production and persistent coughing. It's often associated with smoking or exposure to irritants.
5. Respiratory Infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or pertussis (whooping cough) can cause persistent coughing, especially if they are not adequately treated.coughing
6. Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to treat hypertension, can cause a chronic cough as a side effect.
7. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This is a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow obstruction and chronic coughing.
8. Interstitial Lung Disease: These are a group of disorders that cause scarring of the lung tissue, leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
9. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Similar to GERD, but the stomach acid reaches higher into the throat, causing irritation and coughing.
10. Environmental Irritants: Exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, pollution, or strong odors can lead to chronic coughing.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosing the underlying cause of chronic coughing often involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and potentially various tests such as chest X-rays, spirometry (lung function tests), allergy testing, and pH monitoring for acid reflux.
Treatment depends on the identified cause:
- For postnasal drip: Treating the underlying allergy or sinus condition.
- For GERD: Lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medications to reduce stomach acid.
- For asthma: Inhalers and other medications to manage inflammation and bronchospasms.
- For chronic bronchitis or COPD: Bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, and lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking).
- For infections: Appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications.
- For environmental irritants: Avoiding exposure to the irritants.
- In some cases, cough suppressants or other medications might be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic coughing, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Chronic coughing can have a significant impact on daily life and may indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
Your videos help a lot….
I have food poisoning more than 3 day what i do ?
Must consult a doctor…
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