There are several causes of chronic cough.

The main causes of chronic cough include poor air quality in the living environment, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis, and chronic respiratory infections, such as chronic bronchitis, chronic respiratory infection, and bronchiectasis. Patients with chronic cough should actively undergo evaluation to determine whether an active infection or other serious conditions are present.

1. Poor Air Quality

If the air quality in a patient's living environment is poor—such as exposure to excessive dust, smoke, or smog—microscopic particles in the air can frequently trigger inflammatory responses in the airways, leading to coughing. In such cases, it is recommended that patients remove themselves from these environments and live for a period in areas with cleaner air, which can effectively alleviate cough symptoms.

2. Lung Diseases

Chronic cough caused by lung diseases is usually accompanied by symptoms such as sputum production, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), or chest pain. A definitive diagnosis requires relevant pulmonary examinations to identify the underlying cause. Once diagnosed, patients should actively receive treatment targeting the root cause, along with symptomatic treatments such as cough suppression and expectoration.

3. Chronic Respiratory Infections

If a patient has a chronic respiratory infection without明显 worsening of cough or sputum production, appropriate use of nourishing-yin and lung-cleansing capsules may be considered, along with symptomatic treatments for cough relief and phlegm reduction. If the cough has distinct characteristics—such as paroxysmal nocturnal cough or明显 cough upon postural changes—further diagnostic evaluations are necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Patients with chronic cough are advised to seek medical attention promptly for accurate diagnosis and active participation in treatment.