A lingering cough is often a residual symptom of respiratory illness or infection. If you are wondering why am I coughing a lot and whether a persistent cough indicates an ongoing illness, here are a few reasons why you might continue to cough for days or weeks along with tips for diagnosing and treating a lingering cough.
Causes Of A Persistent Cough
Coughing is a protective reflex intended to eliminate mucus and foreign matter that could cause irritation or a choking response. Respiratory conditions such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, croup, gastroesophageal reflux disease and post-nasal drip are among the most common causes of a cough that sticks around for weeks or even longer.
Some other common causes of coughing include exposure to irritants or pollution. Whether the source is a cigarette or a wood fire, microscopic particles in smoke can irritate lungs and cause you to repeatedly cough. Frequent ongoing exposure can also cause a cough to worsen. Reducing or stopping voluntary exposure can often reduce the frequency or severity of coughing. Many people find that homeopathic cold remedies that address both the causes and symptoms of coughing are safer for long term use than conventional over-the-counter cough medicines.
When Coughing Becomes Chronic
A cough that continues longer than two weeks with constant or increasing frequency and severity is generally considered chronic. Even if you are coughing less after two or three weeks, you still may have a chronic cough. Looking up what different coughs mean can offer a better idea of what could be causing or exacerbating your cough.
Coughing can be a symptom of chronic conditions such as acid reflux, allergies or asthma. Some blood pressure and non-steroidal medications or NSAIDs can cause coughing as a side effect. A medical expert can recommend the right approach to treating underlying conditions and chronic coughing.
Resolving a Lingering Cough
Many people try to treat persistent or chronic coughs with conventional OTC cough medicine. This medicine masks symptoms and enables the underlying cause of a cough to persist. A homeopathic cough remedy that addresses antibodies to histamine, Bradykinin and Morphine can be an effective way to reduce coughing.
When you continue coughing for weeks, you may worry that you are getting sick or that the symptoms of an illness are lingering or recurring. Viruses are often most contagious within the 24 hours prior to the start of symptoms and for five to seven days afterward. It may still be possible to spread viruses for up to 21 days, though the risk of spreading a virus accompanied by a fever may go down alongside your temperature.
Full-strength conventional cough suppressants are not safe to use for longer than several days. These medicines can interfere with your lifestyle by causing drowsiness and could eventually pose heightened risks of harmful side effects such as liver damage. If a dry or wet cough lasts for two weeks or longer, you should consult with a doctor and consider taking an antibody-based approach to cough treatment.
