What Caused Your Cough?

Allergies

Allergies such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or allergic asthma can cause coughing if the allergen irritates the airways in your lungs. Allergy symptoms can also include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sore throat, or post-nasal drip. Allergies are often worse during certain seasons. For example, tree pollen levels are highest in spring, while ragweed is a late-summer and early-fall allergen. Your doctor may recommend allergy medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to treat allergies.

Asthma

A chronic respiratory condition, asthma causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or in the early morning. The severity of asthma differs, and your symptoms may range from mild to life-threatening. Asthma can be triggered by exposure to allergens, exercise, cold air, or other factors. Your doctor will prescribe asthma medications, such as quick-relief inhalers, long-term control medications, or combination inhalers, to relieve symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

Common cold and flu (influenza)

Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of the common cold and flu (influenza). In addition to a cough, you may have a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, chills, and fatigue. The common cold is usually caused by a virus, while the flu is caused by an influenza virus. They both spread through contact with infected droplets or by touching surfaces or objects with these droplets on them. Most people with a common cold or flu don't need specific treatment and can recover in 7 to 10 days. Your doctor may recommend rest, fluids, over-the-counter pain relievers, and cough medicine if your symptoms are severe.

Chest infection

Coughing is a common symptom of chest infections, such as bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) and pneumonia (inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs). These infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms of chest infections may include a cough that produces mucus, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, chills, and fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antiviral medication, cough medicine, or oxygen therapy to treat the infection and improve symptoms.

Covid-19

Coughing is one of the main symptoms of Covid-19, respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Other symptoms include fever, chills, shortness of breath, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, or loss of sense of smell or taste. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, lung failure, and even death.Covid-19 spreads mainly through close contact with infected individuals or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person speaks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes. It can also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces. Vaccines and booster doses can reduce the risk of getting Covid-19 and its complications. Treatment for mild cases may include rest, fluids, pain relievers, and cough medicine. More severe cases may require medical interventions like hospitalization, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation.

Smoking

Smoking irritates the airways and can cause an ongoing cough and phlegm production. Regular coughing or feeling short of breath while exercising can be early signs of smoking-related lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, due to weakened lung function. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve lung health and reduce coughing related to smoking.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

A highly contagious bacterial infection, whooping cough is characterized by severe coughing fits that end with a "whoop" sound. It can affect people of all ages, but it's most common in young children. Early symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and low-grade fever. After about a week, coughing fits begin. Whooping cough can last for weeks or even months. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia. Vaccination can help prevent whooping cough.

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

GERD occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Heartburn is the most common symptom, but GERD can also cause a cough, especially when lying down or bending over. Frequent or severe coughing caused by GERD can lead to vocal cord inflammation and hoarseness. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head of the bed, to manage GERD. Medications like antacids, H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and relieve symptoms.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

A chronic respiratory condition, COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD. Coughing is a key symptom of COPD, along with shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. As COPD progresses, the damage to the lungs becomes worsen and symptoms may become more severe and frequent. Treatment for COPD may include medications, oxygen therapy, lung rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes.

Other medical conditions

In rare cases, coughing may be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as:

- Tuberculosis

- Cystic fibrosis

- Lung cancer

- Heart failure

- Sarcoidosis

- Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis

- Cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies)

- Certain medications (such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ACEi's, or beta blockers)

- Environmental irritants (such as dust, fumes, or chemicals)

If your cough persists for more than a few weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's important to see your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment. The exact cause of your cough will determine the appropriate management and interventions needed to relieve your symptoms and address the underlying condition.