We refer to a cough
that lasts more than three weeks and that never ceases to end. The cough is a reflex
that that our body uses as a defence mechanism to expel or clean foreign bodies
from our airways. If the cough becomes a chronic cough, it would not be normal
and it would be warning us that there is something wrong.
The cough can present
itself as part of acute pathologies that would be generally infectious and of a
short duration. We will be analysing the persistent and chronic cough within
this article, as it is a symptom of many pathologies that need to be diagnosed
as soon as possible.
CAUSES OF THE CHRONIC
COUGH
1. ASTHMA
Asthma is a disease
that produces an inflammation and reversible obstruction of the bronchial
tubes. It is characterised by the presence of a certain type of cough that is
predominantly dry, nightly and accompanied by respiratory difficulties. It is
usually produced by an allergy to pollen, fungi, animal hairs, foods, vasomotor
alterations, etc.
2. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease covers three types of pathologies and they are: chronic
bronchitis, emphysema and long-term asthma in people that have been smokers.
This disease is due to the permanent and irreversible inflammation of the bronchial
tubes. It is usually caused by tobacco and produces a cough every morning and different
amounts of sputum.
3. GASTROESOPHAGEAL
REFLUX
Gastroesophageal
reflux is the way in which gastric contents travel through the oesophagus and
produce a feeling of heartburn or burning in the throat, mouth or retrosternal.
This acid usually
produces laryngeal irritation that causes a commonly dry and persistent cough.
Gastroesophageal reflux can only present this cough as an only symptom without
being aware that the reflux is present.
4. POSTNASAL DRIP
Postnasal dripping is
the constant presence of mucus within the throat. This dripping is caused by
inflammatory processes in the nose (Rhinitis) and in the mucous membrane that surrounds
the sinuses (Sinusitis).
5. CHRONIC LARYNGITIS
Inflammation of the
larynx that lasts more than three weeks, results in a dry cough that is usually
accompanied by hoarseness, that is commonly due to the misuse of the voice, the
presence of nodules on the vocal chords or irritants such as tobacco, alcohol,
gastroesophageal reflux.
6. TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis is a
pulmonary infection that is produced by Koch’s bacillus and which the main
symptoms are: a chronic cough with sputum of blood, fever, tiredness, night
sweats, etc.
7. LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer usually
does not have any initial symptoms, but a recent cough that lasts more than
three weeks, or an existing cough that changes intensity or tone, or that simply
has the presence of blood in the sputum, would alert us of this pathology.
OTHERS
Cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis,
cardiac failure, etc. are other pathologies that will produce a cough that is
not as frequent.
Lastly, we want to
remind people that when faced with the presence of a cough that lasts for more
than three weeks, then medical assistance should be sought out in order to
obtain a diagnosis as quickly as possible.
Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of
HealthSalus
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