Can a prolonged cough develop into asthma?
Whether prolonged coughing can develop into asthma depends on the specific circumstances. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. No
Coughing is usually a protective response triggered when allergens, inflammation, foreign bodies, or other irritants stimulate the respiratory mucosa, prompting the airways to clear secretions or foreign substances. If prolonged coughing results from choking on water or exercise-induced breathlessness, symptoms such as throat itching and shortness of breath may occur, but these typically do not lead to asthma.
2. Yes
Asthma is generally a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways involving multiple cells and cellular components. If prolonged coughing is caused by conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, it may potentially develop into variant asthma.
If a cough persists without improvement or if symptoms continue to worsen, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.