What are the reasons for a persistent cough, and how can it be treated?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
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.
Generally, persistent coughing that does not improve may be caused by ongoing environmental irritation, low immunity, allergic cough, prolonged acute bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and follow a doctor's guidance for improvement through general management, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Ongoing environmental irritation: Long-term exposure to irritants such as dust, smoke, and cold air continuously stimulates the respiratory mucosa, leading to recurrent coughing. Avoid irritating environments; wear a mask when going outdoors on hazy days, use an indoor air purifier, maintain humidified air, and drink plenty of warm water daily to relieve dryness of the respiratory mucosa.
2. Low body immunity: Excessive fatigue and inadequate nutrition can weaken immunity, making the respiratory tract more susceptible to external factors and resulting in prolonged coughing. Adjust your lifestyle by ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep each night, consuming nutrient-rich foods such as eggs, milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and engaging in moderate exercise like brisk walking or jogging to enhance physical resistance.
3. Allergic cough: Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander triggers an allergic reaction in the respiratory tract, causing a persistent dry cough. Identify and avoid contact with allergens, and follow medical advice to take medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride drops, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets to reduce allergic reactions and alleviate coughing.
4. Prolonged acute bronchitis: If acute bronchitis is not fully resolved, residual inflammation increases airway sensitivity, leading to persistent coughing. Follow your doctor’s instructions to take medications such as dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, or cefuroxime axetil tablets to suppress cough, expel phlegm, and control inflammation.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux irritates the throat and airways, causing chronic cough, often accompanied by symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn. Adjust your diet by avoiding overeating and spicy, greasy foods; do not eat within two hours of bedtime; and follow medical advice to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets to inhibit gastric acid secretion, enhance gastric motility, and reduce reflux.
In daily life, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and limit intake of spicy or overly sweet foods to reduce irritation to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. When coughing, gently patting the back may help loosen and expel phlegm. Comprehensive care can promote recovery from cough and support overall respiratory health.
