Chronic cough

Not only smokers have it chronic cough to fight and it must always be checked by a doctor. But when is it a chronic cough and what diseases are hidden behind it.

What is Chronic Cough?

If a cough lasts longer than eight weeks in adults, the medicine speaks of chronic cough.

If a cough lasts longer than eight weeks in adults, the medicine speaks of chronic cough. Smokers in particular dismiss the morning coughing fit as a side effect of vice and pay no further attention to it.

Coughing is a natural protective mechanism the body uses to keep the airways clear. A doctor should always be consulted if the cough does not go away on its own or with the help of home remedies after three to four weeks. Whether the chronic cough is accompanied by sputum and whether it is bloody also plays a role. If the latter is the case, the emergency doctor is the next contact person anyway instead of waiting for an appointment with the pulmonologist (pulmonologist).

causes

Chronic coughing without sputum is often due to inflammation of the airways or foreign objects in the lungs. The body tries to clean the lungs and push the disruptive factor out of the airways with great pressure. Pneumonia is often accompanied by sore muscles because the abdominal muscles are constantly tense.

The early stage of bronchial asthma in children is often announced by a persistent, dry cough, which also affects the upper airways.

If the chronic cough is accompanied by sputum, this can be the first sign of COPD or advanced bronchial asthma. Pneumonia is also associated with a chronic cough. Especially when the mucus in the bronchi begins to loosen and the body begins to be transported out of the lungs.

If the sputum is bloody, in most cases it is due to severe pneumonia or advanced lung cancer.

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Diseases with this symptom

• COPD
• lung infection

• Smoker's cough
• bronchial asthma

• Lung cancer
• cough

Diagnosis & course

To be diagnosed with COPD, the patient must cough for at least three months in a row in two consecutive years and all other diseases must be excluded.

In the so-called exclusion diagnosis, the attending physician often overlooks other causes such as bronchial carcinoma or tuberculosis because the symptoms overlap. If left untreated, the chronic cough quickly results in shortness of breath, which in the advanced stage not only occurs during exertion, but also in everyday situations. COPD is currently incurable and can only be slowed down. The disease is recognized very late in smokers in particular.

Chronic cough is the first sign of lung cancer and it is at a relatively early stage. In contrast to bronchitis, this cough often changes to a dry, irritating cough. If it really is a carcinoma, valuable time passes by waiting. That is why X-rays are made right at the beginning.

ACE inhibitors are also a common trigger for chronic coughs. In this case, the medication is discontinued and the patient waits to see whether the cough subsides by itself after two to three weeks. If the chronic cough cannot be clearly identified, bronchoscopy is used.

80% of bronchial asthma can be traced back to an allergy and it makes sense that the therapy also starts here instead of just fighting the symptoms. In addition, reliever medication is needed to calm an asthma attack quickly. Another therapy goal is to strengthen lung function and reduce excitability.

When should you go to the doctor?

Most people cough more or less frequently during the cold season. However, any cough that lasts longer than two weeks is chronic and should be a reason to see a doctor. It can be triggered by a cold, but also by bronchitis, pneumonia or a lung tumor.

While cold viruses lead to dry coughs that usually subside after a few days, bacteria can cause bronchitis or pneumonia. These diseases are not that easy to treat.Antibiotics are often necessary. In order to be able to make the diagnosis, the doctor has to listen to the bronchi and lungs, but in case of doubt only an X-ray examination is conclusive. Therapy depends on the cause.

With cold cough, calming cough syrups, teas and rest can often help. Strong coughing attacks that even cause shortness of breath should always lead to a doctor's visit. They can indicate whooping cough or another bacterial infection. Children with such strong coughing fits always need medical treatment.

Whooping cough is an extremely contagious infectious disease and must be treated accordingly. Chronic cough with sputum may indicate a serious lung disease. Even if a persistent cough is not the result of a serious illness, it should be treated with medication, because the coughing fits prevent healthy sleep and thus delay the healing process.

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Treatment & Therapy

Treatment of COPD largely depends on its severity. In the initial stage, drug therapy is only provided in an emergency and is limited to drugs that dilate the airways for acute respiratory distress.

Moderate COPD is already being treated with longer-acting drugs that expand the airways. In addition, the success of the treatment is very dependent on the patient's own initiative. In addition to avoiding harmful substances (cigarettes, dust), respiratory physiotherapy and physical training are an essential part of the therapy.

The severe form of COPD usually requires long-term oxygen therapy and the inhalation of corticosteroids, which, however, are associated with considerable side effects, especially with long-term use. In rare cases, emphysema surgery is also used, in which the excessively inflated parts are removed from the lungs.

If lung cancer is the trigger for chronic cough, the therapy depends not only on the age of the patient and his general health, but also on the tissue type of the tumor. The non-small-cell tumor is always operated on, whereas the small-cell tumor is first treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Outlook & forecast

If a chronic cough is left untreated and without any medical care, this clinical picture can worsen significantly within a very short time. Without the appropriate medication, a chronic cough can quickly develop into pneumonia or pleurisy. The constant coughing up can lead to a very uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the head area, which in turn can lead to headaches.

A chronic cough can be a tedious affair, as the healing process is very slow in such a case. With appropriate medication or medical treatment, the prognosis for a chronic cough is much more positive.

A chronic cough, for example, can be effectively and effectively combated with codeine drops. This makes it much easier for those affected to cough up and the healing process is accelerated many times over. Various complications are also avoided at an early stage, so that the chronic cough should subside significantly within 2 weeks.

However, a chronic cough often has various side effects. These include severe headache, fever, chills, and a sore throat. In addition, swallowing difficulties occur in many cases, which significantly restricts food intake.

One thing is certain: Without medical treatment, a chronic cough can develop into a serious illness. Early treatment is therefore extremely important.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against coughs and colds

prevention

Smoking causes cilia in the lungs to stick together and is the ultimate risk factor for chronic cough, COPD and lung cancer. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of serious lung diseases.

Endurance sport is also a good measure, as it increases the volume of the lungs and strengthens the airways. After a jogging round, however, it is better to avoid large amounts of particulate matter because the lungs are more receptive.

Stays in places with a so-called stimulating climate are also cheap. A holiday by the sea not only alleviates existing respiratory diseases, but also acts as a preventative cleansing treatment.

You can do that yourself

There are numerous home remedies that can relieve chronic coughs and aid healing. It is recommended to drink a lot. Warm drinks and at least two liters a day are useful. The more fluid the mucus, the easier it is to cough up. Coughing up the mucus can also be helped by tapping the chest and back. Massages with essential oils such as peppermint oil, thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, anise oil or fennel oil are also useful.

Inhalations and steam baths moisten the airways and thus facilitate the removal of mucus. Humidifying the room air can also provide relief. For example, a clothes horse with damp towels can be set up in the room or a damp cloth can be placed over the radiator.

Medicinal herbs in the form of cough syrup, cough drops, cough drops, cough lozenges or cough tea are also helpful. Sage, ivy leaves, ribwort, primrose blossoms, black radish or thyme help relieve chronic coughs. Fennel honey is suitable for children. If the chronic cough is particularly tough, an onion pad on the chest or back can help loosen the mucus.

If the chronic cough is a dry, irritating cough, coltsfoot, marshmallow, Icelandic moss or mallow as juice, syrup, tea or extract can help. Suitable homeopathic remedies are Drosera and Byronia. If you have a chronic cough, you should definitely refrain from smoking.