

It can also be triggered by laughing or exercise.Īn asthma cough won’t get better with OTC medication. In this case, the cough is typically worse at night.Īsthma-related coughing may follow an upper respiratory infection and worsen if you’re exposed to cold temperatures or certain allergens, like dust or fumes. But sometimes the only symptom is coughing.

In some cases, prescription medication may be useful.Īsthma normally includes symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Or your healthcare provider may recommend treatments like antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, or other over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays. The sensation of liquid dripping down the back of your throat Signs that postnasal drip may be the cause of your persistent cough include: The result may be a dry cough or it may be associated with some mucus. There are many causes of postnasal drip, including colds, sinus infections, and allergies, like hay fever. This leads to mucus draining down the throat, triggering a cough. Postnasal drip, or upper airway cough syndrome, can occur anytime the nose or sinuses become irritated or inflamed. But taking medication to cut back cough, inflammation, and mucus may be helpful for relieving symptoms. This type of persistent cough will usually resolve on its own. In most cases in which reactive airways are the cause, all X-rays and tests will be normal. Or it may be caused by the body’s increased mucus production. It may be due to the nerves in your airways, or the airways themselves becoming more sensitive. This can make your airways sensitive and hyperreactive, making you cough.

Sometimes your airways can become inflamed after an upper respiratory infection. Reactive airways after an upper respiratory infection Here are the five most common reasons you might have a persistent cough. The good news is, with proper evaluation of your cough, your provider can usually treat it. There are many reasons for a lingering cough, most of which aren’t too serious. What are the most common causes of a persistent cough? This can sometimes be a sign of an infection that requires treatment. If you have had an upper respiratory infection and now have a persistent “productive” cough - meaning you are coughing up mucus - you need to notify your healthcare provider. It is common to have a persistent cough that lasts up to 3 weeks after an upper respiratory infection has resolved.Ī persistent dry cough - meaning you aren’t coughing up much mucus - will sometimes go away on its own. What is a persistent cough?Ī persistent cough is one that has been around for more than 3 weeks. Here, we’ll cover some possible causes for your cough, what you can do about it, and when it may be time to see a healthcare provider. It usually goes away on its own, but sometimes a cough can last a few weeks after an infection like a cold or the flu.īut when is a nagging cough just the remains of a cold, and when do you need to do something about it? A cough is a natural reflex by the body to help clear the airway, and it can be protective. But it shouldn’t always be a cause for concern. Set your locationĪ persistent cough is one of the most common reasons that people visit a healthcare provider. It seems that you have not selected any location.
