Dry cough for a year without improvement despite taking a lot of medication, what should I do?
Disease description:
I've had a dry cough for almost a year now. I've taken many cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medications, but there's been no improvement. My throat itches and I start coughing, and I can't sleep well at night. What should I do?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
A persistent dry cough that has not improved for a year may involve multiple causes and requires careful evaluation. Dry cough is commonly associated with respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, lung diseases, heart problems, or side effects of medications.
It is recommended that you visit a hospital promptly to receive professional examination and diagnosis. Based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination results, your doctor may recommend tests such as pulmonary function tests or CT scans to determine the exact cause of the dry cough.
According to the specific condition identified, your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan. For example, if the cough is due to allergies, antihistamine medications might be prescribed; if it is caused by pharyngitis, local treatments such as mouthwash may be recommended; and if it is chronic bronchitis, anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary.
During the treatment process, you should also avoid factors that may worsen the dry cough, such as smoking and air pollution. At the same time, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise, can help boost your immune system and promote recovery.
Lifestyle modifications are also important, including quitting smoking, avoiding irritants, and enhancing immunity. Always follow the guidance of a qualified physician for diagnosis and treatment, and never self-medicate.
