What should I do if my cough doesn't go away?

Nov 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

Long-term exposure to a polluted environment can cause continuous irritation to the respiratory tract, triggering a cough reflex to remove foreign particles and harmful substances from the airways. This type of cough is a dry, non-productive cough, which serves to protect the respiratory tract from damage. It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to polluted environments and to wear dust masks to reduce the inhalation of harmful substances.

Generally, persistent cough may be caused by environmental factors, psychological factors, postnasal drip syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cough-variant asthma, and other reasons. The appropriate treatment depends on identifying and addressing the specific cause to achieve therapeutic effectiveness. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment. Detailed information is as follows:

1. Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to a polluted environment can continuously irritate the respiratory tract, triggering coughing as a protective response to remove foreign substances and harmful particles. This type of cough is typically dry and non-productive, serving to protect the airways from damage. Avoid prolonged exposure to polluted environments, and wear dust masks to reduce inhalation of harmful substances. Keeping indoor air fresh by regularly opening windows for ventilation can also help alleviate cough symptoms.

2. Psychological factors: Prolonged mental stress, anxiety, and excessive pressure may also lead to persistent cough. Psychological factors can affect the nervous system's regulation of the respiratory tract, increasing cough reflex sensitivity and causing coughing. Stress can be relieved through relaxation techniques and psychological counseling to improve emotional well-being.

3. Postnasal drip syndrome: Postnasal drip syndrome occurs when nasal secretions flow backward into the throat, irritating the respiratory tract and causing cough. It is often associated with nasal conditions such as rhinitis and sinusitis and may also be accompanied by a runny nose. Under medical guidance, medications such as budesonide nasal spray, eucalyptus oil and pinene soft capsules, and ambroxol ambroxol oral solution can be used for anti-inflammatory purposes, promoting the drainage of nasal secretions, and cough relief.

4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus or even the mouth, irritating the respiratory tract and causing cough. Continuous irritation of the respiratory tract by gastric acid leads to persistent cough, which may also be accompanied by heartburn. As directed by a physician, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, and mosapride citrate tablets may be used to protect the gastric mucosa.

5. Cough-variant asthma: Cough-variant asthma is a special type of asthma characterized by coughing without obvious wheezing symptoms. Airway hyperresponsiveness and chronic inflammation are the main causes of cough. The cough often worsens at night or in the early morning and may be accompanied by chest tightness. Medications such as budesonide inhalation powder, beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation aerosol, and salmeterol fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol may be used under medical supervision to reduce airway inflammation.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset in daily life can help prevent the occurrence and worsening of cough.

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Which cough medicine is more effective?

Generally speaking, there is no definitive answer to the question of "which cough medicine works better." Commonly used oral medications for treating cough include dextromethorphan and guaifenesin syrup, pentoxifylline citrate tablets, ambroxol oral solution, acetylcysteine granules, cefaclor capsules, etc. Patients should choose appropriate medications according to the type and underlying cause of their cough under medical guidance.

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What are the reasons for a persistent cough, and how can it be treated?

In general, persistent coughing may be caused by ongoing environmental irritation, low immune function, allergic cough, prolonged acute bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through general measures, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and limit consumption of spicy or overly sweet foods.

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What are the differences between cough caused by mycoplasma infection and common cough?

The differences between cough caused by mycoplasma infection and ordinary cough mainly include duration, nature of the cough, accompanying symptoms, triggering factors, and response to treatment. In daily life, it is important to stay warm, avoid cold exposure, maintain good indoor ventilation, and reduce visits to crowded places. During episodes of coughing, drink plenty of warm water and avoid spicy or irritating foods to help alleviate cough symptoms.