There are several causes of chronic cough.

Generally, long-term cough may be caused by factors such as allergies, chronic pharyngitis, bronchiectasis, bronchopneumonia, and pleurisy. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Allergies

If one frequently experiences coughing, it is advisable to visit a hospital to check for possible allergies to certain substances in the living environment. Allergens entering the respiratory tract through the nose or mouth can irritate the airways, leading to irritative coughing. Symptomatic relief can be achieved with antitussive and expectorant treatments. For severe dry cough affecting sleep and rest, appropriate use of cough suppressants may be considered. Medications such as dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets or pentoxifylline citrate tablets can be taken under medical guidance.

2. Chronic Pharyngitis

In cases of chronic pharyngitis, inflammatory factors chronically irritate the mucous membrane of the throat, resulting in persistent coughing, often accompanied by symptoms like dryness and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Patients can follow medical advice to frequently rinse the mouth with compound borax mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene. Additionally, antibiotics such as metronidazole tablets or roxithromycin capsules may be prescribed by a doctor for treatment.

3. Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is primarily caused by bacterial infection and inflammation, which leads to coughing and may also cause hemoptysis (coughing up blood). It is recommended that patients receive intravenous anti-inflammatory and hemostatic treatment at the hospital. Commonly used medications include cefoperazone sodium for injection and cefotaxime sodium for injection. Typically, continuous treatment for two weeks is required for recovery. The diet should be light, avoiding spicy and fried foods. Keeping warm and preventing cold exposure are also important.

4. Bronchopneumonia

Persistent cough in bronchopneumonia is mostly due to irritation from inflammation, but may also result from inappropriate medication use or the presence of a bronchial foreign body. Patients can take medications such as azithromycin capsules or cefixime dispersible tablets under medical guidance to improve symptoms. Additionally, moderate physical exercise is recommended to enhance overall immunity.

5. Pleurisy

Cough caused by pleurisy may result from pleural irritation triggering a reflex cough, or may occur secondary to lung infection associated with pleurisy, or concurrent bronchial infection. Patients should follow medical advice and use sensitive antimicrobial agents such as cefixime dispersible tablets or levofloxacin tablets. Clinical recovery is usually achieved within two weeks.

Apart from the above causes, conditions such as cough-variant asthma cannot be ruled out. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.