Can a prolonged cough develop into asthma?

Mar 28, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Whether a prolonged cough will develop into asthma depends on the specific circumstances. If the prolonged cough is caused by choking on water or exercise-induced breathlessness, it may lead to symptoms such as throat itching and shortness of breath, but generally does not result in asthma. However, if the persistent cough is due to conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, there is a possibility it could develop into variant asthma. If the cough fails to improve over time or symptoms continue to worsen, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

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.


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