Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment Options

A chronic cough is more than just an occasional irritation; it can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to sleep, concentrate, or even breathe properly. A persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks in adults or four weeks in children is considered chronic and requires medical attention.

If you’re struggling with an ongoing cough that won’t go away, consulting the Best Pulmonologist in Jaipur can help identify the root cause and provide effective treatment.

Common Causes of Chronic Cough

Chronic cough can result from various respiratory conditions, infections, allergies, and environmental factors. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for proper treatment.

1. Asthma

Asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic cough, especially when it presents as cough-variant asthma (CVA). Instead of wheezing, some asthma patients experience a persistent dry cough that worsens at night or after exercise. If you suspect asthma, an Asthma Specialist Doctor in Jaipur can provide the right medications and inhalers to manage your condition.

2. Allergies & Postnasal Drip

Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, or air pollution can trigger chronic coughing. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the throat, leading to irritation and cough. An Allergy Doctor in Jaipur can diagnose and treat allergy-induced coughing effectively.

3. Respiratory Infections

A lingering cough can follow infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis (TB). Even after the infection clears, inflammation in the airways may cause prolonged coughing.

4. Acid Reflux (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and triggering a chronic cough, especially at night.

5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causes persistent coughing with mucus production. It is common among smokers or those exposed to air pollution.

6. Smoking & Environmental Pollution

Smoking damages the lungs, leading to a chronic smoker’s cough. Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can also trigger persistent coughing.

Symptoms of Chronic Cough

A chronic cough often presents with other symptoms depending on the underlying cause:

✅ Dry or productive cough (with mucus)

✅ Shortness of breath or wheezing

✅ Sore throat or hoarseness

✅ Runny nose or nasal congestion

✅ Heartburn or acid reflux symptoms

✅ Fatigue due to disrupted sleep

If your cough lasts more than eight weeks, consult a pulmonologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnosis: How to Identify the Cause of Chronic Cough?

When you visit the Best Pulmonologist in Jaipur, they will conduct a thorough evaluation, including:

✅ Lung Function Tests (Spirometry) – To check for asthma or COPD.

✅ Chest X-ray or CT Scan – To detect infections, lung damage, or tumors.

✅ Allergy Testing – To determine if allergens are causing the cough.

✅ Esophageal pH Monitoring – To check for acid reflux (GERD).

Best Treatment Options for Chronic Cough

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause of the cough. Here are some of the most effective solutions:

1. Asthma Treatment

For asthma-related chronic cough, inhalers, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids are recommended. If you have asthma, an Asthma Specialist Doctor in Jaipur can prescribe a personalized treatment plan to control symptoms.

2. Allergy Management

If allergies are the cause, an Allergy Doctor in Jaipur may suggest:

✅ Antihistamines or nasal sprays to reduce allergy symptoms.

✅ Avoiding triggers like dust, pollen, and pet dander.

✅ Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) for long-term relief.

3. Medications for GERD & Acid Reflux

If acid reflux is causing the cough, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers can reduce stomach acid production and prevent irritation in the throat.

4. Antibiotics for Infections

If bacterial infections like pneumonia or TB are causing the cough, antibiotics are prescribed for effective treatment.

5. Lifestyle Changes & Home Remedies

✅ Quit Smoking – Smoking cessation significantly improves lung health.

✅ Use a Humidifier – Helps keep the airways moist and reduces irritation.

✅ Drink Warm Fluids – Herbal teas and warm water soothe the throat.

✅ Practice Breathing Exercises – Strengthens lung function and reduces cough reflex.

When to See a Pulmonologist?

Seek medical help if your cough:

✅ Persists for more than 8 weeks

✅ Produces blood or thick mucus

✅ Is accompanied by chest pain or breathing difficulty

✅ Leads to weight loss or night sweats

✅ Interferes with daily life or sleep

Dr. Pankaj Gulati, a leading Best Pulmonologist in Jaipur, specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic cough, asthma, allergies, and lung diseases. He offers expert consultations at:

📍 Shalby Hospital, Jaipur (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

📍 Medinova Super Speciality Clinic, Jaipur (5:30 PM - 8:00 PM)