Why won't a persistent cough in adults go away?

Generally, prolonged cough in adults may be caused by environmental factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, bronchial asthma, and other reasons. Symptomatic treatment through general therapy and medication may be necessary. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

Prolonged residence in environments with poor air quality, such as areas with high levels of dust or heavy smoke, may cause continuous irritation to the respiratory tract, leading to a chronic cough, possibly accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. It is recommended to improve the living environment, maintain fresh indoor air, and reduce the inhalation of harmful substances.

2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as long-term smoking, staying up late, and irregular eating patterns, may lead to decreased immunity, making the respiratory tract more susceptible to infections or inflammation, thus causing a prolonged cough, possibly accompanied by fatigue and low spirits. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat a balanced diet, and enhance physical immunity.

3. Chronic Bronchitis

Long-term smoking, air pollution, and other factors can cause chronic airway inflammation, leading to thickened airway walls and increased secretions, which may result in persistent coughing. Patients may also experience symptoms such as sputum production, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. It is recommended to follow a physician's instructions to use medications such as azithromycin tablets, cefaclor tablets, and cefadroxil capsules to alleviate symptoms.

4. Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is mainly caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Inflammation in the sinuses leads to increased secretions that flow backward into the throat, irritating the throat and airways, causing coughing, and may be accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. It is recommended to follow a physician's instructions to use medications such as roxithromycin tablets, cephalexin dry suspension, and clindamycin hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Airway hyperresponsiveness causes airway narrowing and increased secretions, resulting in recurring episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or coughing, with symptoms often worsening at night or in the early morning. It is recommended to use medications such as compound aminophylline tablets, dyphylline tablets, and doxofylline tablets for treatment under the guidance of a physician.

It is recommended to develop good daily habits, maintain a regular schedule, and engage in appropriate exercise to help strengthen the body's constitution and promote recovery.