What causes a persistent cough that won't go away?

Generally, persistent coughing may be associated with factors such as pulmonary infection, bronchitis, variant cough, chronic pharyngitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients should promptly visit a正规 hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Pulmonary Infection

Pulmonary infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, often lead to coughing. Infections cause inflammation in the lungs and produce sputum, stimulating the cough reflex to clear pathogens from the airways. Patients may not only experience coughing but also symptoms such as fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as cefixime tablets, oseltamivir phosphate capsules, and amantadine hydrochloride tablets.

2. Bronchitis

Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial walls, which may be caused by inhalation of irritants, bacterial, or viral infections. Chronic bronchitis can lead to heightened airway sensitivity, resulting in frequent or even persistent coughing. Treatment under medical guidance includes anti-infective therapy and symptomatic management, with commonly used medications including cefixime granules, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, and bromhexine hydrochloride tablets.

3. Variant Cough

Variant cough is a chronic cough condition characterized by an overly sensitive cough response and abnormal reactions to irritants. Patients may suffer from prolonged coughing even in the absence of infection or other obvious causes. Under medical supervision, treatments may include anti-inflammatory agents and bronchodilators, such as beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation aerosol, montelukast sodium tablets, and salbutamol sulfate tablets.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a long-term inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, usually caused by prolonged irritation or infection. Persistent cough is one of its common symptoms, particularly noticeable upon waking or after eating. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as prednisolone tablets, Yinhuang lozenges, and cydiodine lozenges for treatment.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is an inflammatory condition caused by the backflow of stomach acid and digestive juices into the esophagus. In this case, acid irritates the esophageal lining and triggers coughing, especially at night or when lying down. Patients may take medications such as domperidone tablets, cisapride tablets, and omeprazole enteric-coated tablets under medical guidance. If conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention—mainly laparoscopic fundoplication—may be considered.

Patients are advised to undergo treatment under the guidance of a physician and should not self-medicate blindly, to avoid adverse effects due to inappropriate drug use. Additionally, patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan pepper during medication, as these may interfere with treatment efficacy.