What should I do for a persistent cough that won’t go away?

In daily life, both men and women commonly experience dry coughing during dry weather—and this cough often recurs and persists for extended periods. What should one do when a cough lingers chronically?

What to Do When a Cough Persists Chronically

A persistently chronic cough warrants prompt medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause, followed by targeted treatment. Initial assessment should determine whether the cough is drug-induced—particularly by ACE inhibitors such as captopril or enalapril. If so, these medications must be discontinued immediately. Next, a chest CT scan should be performed to rule out pulmonary or mediastinal pathology. If no abnormalities are found, an echocardiogram is recommended to assess whether cardiac enlargement may be contributing to the cough.

If cardiac causes are excluded, laryngoscopy should be performed to evaluate for pharyngeal or laryngeal disorders. If findings remain inconclusive, further imaging—such as neck ultrasound—may be necessary to assess for thyroid disease or other structural abnormalities. Additional conditions—including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—must also be considered and ruled out. During diagnostic evaluations, patients should remain calm and avoid excessive anxiety or agitation, as emotional stress may interfere with test accuracy and potentially cause localized harm.

In daily life, strenuous physical activity should be avoided, as it may exacerbate dyspnea and provoke palpitations. Increased rest and bed rest are advised. Dietary modifications are also essential: avoid high-fat and spicy foods; instead, opt for light, easily digestible meals. Drink ample warm water throughout the day. We hope this information proves helpful to you.